 |
|
Stem cell research puts interstate rivalry on hold
September 04, 2008Victoria and New South Wales have put aside their competitive interstate rivalry to collaborate on a stem cell research project, as announced by Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings and NSW Minister for Science and Medical Research, Verity Firth, today.
Scientists from the Monash Institute of Medical Research (MIMR) and colleagues from New South Wales will compare two different methods of creating patient-specific stem cells: somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS).
SCNT, or therapeutic cloning, is one method used to produce a source of individually-tailored stem cells. One aspect to this project will be to source oocytes, or immature egg cells to generate SCNT embryos from which embryonic stem cells are harvested. Both conventional sources (IVF Clinics) and novel sources (adult ovaries and altruistic donors) will be explored.
Unlike SCNT, iPS cells are derived from adult cells, such as skin, which are reprogrammed to behave like embryonic stem cells. Dr Paul Verma, Program Leader of MIMR's Stem Cell Biology Program and the Chief Investigator of the Victorian project team, will create the iPS cells for this project. His lab was the first in Australia to create iPS cells in mouse models. This project will allow him to create human iPS cells in Australia for the first time.
"On paper, iPS cells appear to be a preferable alternative to working with human embryonic stem cells, but it's too early to make this assumption. Currently, iPS cell lines show variability in their potential to produce mature cells. If we can overcome this, they could certainly offer a great alternative to embryonic stem cells.
"Once our team produces the iPS cells, we will compare the properties of iPS versus cells developed through SCNT. Both methods need to be investigated further so we can determine which will produce the most robust cell lines," Dr Verma said.
The NSW project team, led by Professor Bernie Tuch, will investigate another method of obtaining oocytes - from consenting adult cancer patients who have had their ovaries removed. Professor Tuch's team will also use their proficiencies in characterising human embryonic stem cell lines and bioinformatics.
Mr Jennings said changes to the Victorian Infertility Treatment Act and the NSW Human Cloning and Other Prohibited Practices Act have opened up new opportunities for stem cell research in Australia.
"Australia is already a global leader in overall stem cell research and this new and clear regulatory framework gives us an opportunity to extend our leadership into SCNT which could transform how we treat diabetes, heart diseases and Parkinson's," Mr Jennings said.
Monash University
Unlike SCNT, iPS cells are derived from adult cells, such as skin, which are reprogrammed to behave like embryonic stem cells. Dr Paul Verma, Program Leader of MIMR's Stem Cell Biology Program and the Chief Investigator of the Victorian project team, will create the iPS cells for this project. His lab was the first in Australia to create iPS cells in mouse models. This project will allow him to create human iPS cells in Australia for the first time.
"On paper, iPS cells appear to be a preferable alternative to working with human embryonic stem cells, but it's too early to make this assumption. Currently, iPS cell lines show variability in their potential to produce mature cells. If we can overcome this, they could certainly offer a great alternative to embryonic stem cells.
"Once our team produces the iPS cells, we will compare the properties of iPS versus cells developed through SCNT. Both methods need to be investigated further so we can determine which will produce the most robust cell lines," Dr Verma said.
The NSW project team, led by Professor Bernie Tuch, will investigate another method of obtaining oocytes - from consenting adult cancer patients who have had their ovaries removed. Professor Tuch's team will also use their proficiencies in characterising human embryonic stem cell lines and bioinformatics.
Mr Jennings said changes to the Victorian Infertility Treatment Act and the NSW Human Cloning and Other Prohibited Practices Act have opened up new opportunities for stem cell research in Australia.
"Australia is already a global leader in overall stem cell research and this new and clear regulatory framework gives us an opportunity to extend our leadership into SCNT which could transform how we treat diabetes, heart diseases and Parkinson's," Mr Jennings said.
Monash University
Stem Cells Current Events and Stem Cells News RSSNew 'control knobs' for stem cells identified
Natural changes in voltage that occur across the membrane of adult human stem cells are a powerful controlling factor in the process by which these stem cells differentiate, according to research published by Tufts University scientists.
Children's Hospital scientists achieve repair of injured heart muscle in lab tests of stem cells
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC have been able to effectively repair damaged heart muscle in an animal model using a novel population of stem cells they discovered that is derived from human skeletal muscle tissue.
Old flies can become young moms
Female flies can turn back the biological clock and extend their lifespan at the same time, University of Southern California biologists report.
Superglue from the sea
Sandcastle worms live in intertidal surf, building sturdy tube-shaped homes from bits of sand and shell and their own natural glue.
Pure insulin-producing cells produced in mouse
Singapore researchers have developed an unlimited number of pure insulin-producing cells from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs).
Adult stem cell breakthrough
The first tissue-engineered trachea (windpipe), utilising the patient's own stem cells, has been successfully transplanted into a young woman with a failing airway. The bioengineered trachea immediately provided the patient with a normally functioning airway, thereby saving her life.
First trachea transplant without immunosuppression
After 4 years of going from consultation to consultation, Claudia Castillo finally found a solution to her respiratory problems. The young Colombian woman suffered from a cough that took a long time to be diagnosed as tuberculosis.
First Trial in the U.S. to Treat Both Ischemic & Non-Ischemic Heart Failure to be Performed by U of U Researchers Using Patient's Own Stem Cells
Researchers at the University of Utah are enrolling people in a new clinical trial that uses a patient's own stem cells to treat ischemic and non-ischemic heart failure.
New imaging technique tracks cancer-killing cells over prolonged period
Coaxing a patient's own cells to hunt down and tackle infected or diseased cells is a promising therapeutic approach for many disorders.
Exercise increases brain growth factor and receptors, prevents stem cell drop in middle age
A new study confirms that exercise can reverse the age-related decline in the production of neural stem cells in the hippocampus of the mouse brain, and suggests that this happens because exercise restores a brain chemical which promotes the production and maturation of new stem cells.
More Stem Cells Current Events and Stem Cells News Articles
 | The Stem Cell Divide: The Facts, the Fiction, and the Fear Driving the Greatest Scientific, Political, and Religious Debate of Our Time by Michael Bellomo There has been much recent debate about the merits, dangers, and nature of stem cell research. Some see in it the answer to every debilitating disease known to man, while others see it as a step away from human cloning. While the battle has raged, research is moving ahead, and California has already passed a measure that will give $3 billion in support to stem cell research. But as politics,... |
 | Stem Cell Research: Medical Applications And Ethical Controversy (The New Biology) by Joseph, Ph.D. Panno This is an informative reference to the technological advances, applications, and issues of stem cell research. The past few years have seen controversy and debate surrounding stem cell research. Because skin cells have the capability to divide - unlike most of the cells in our body - our skin can heal itself through the division of cells. Scientists have attempted to apply this concept to major... |
 | Essentials of Stem Cell Biology by Robert Lanza, E. Donnall Thomas, James Thomson, Roger Pedersen, John Gearhart, Brigid Hogan, Douglas Melton, Michael West This abridged version of the bestselling reference Handbook of Stem Cells, Two-Volume Set attempts to incorporate all the essential subject matter of the original two-volume edition in a single volume. The material has been reworked in an accessible format suitable for students and general readers interested in following the latest advances in stem cells, including full color presentation... |
 | The Stem Cell Controversy: Debating the Issues (Contemporary Issue Series) Stem cell research is headline news. Researchers are eager to move forward, state governments and private foundations are rushing to support it, and the sick and afflicted are desperate for its benefits. Yet powerful forces in our society—led by President George W. Bush—find it morally troubling and they are doing all in their powers to restrict its development beyond a very limited scale. ... |
 | Fundamentals of the Stem Cell Debate: The Scientific, Religious, Ethical, and Political Issues Few recent advances in science have generated as much excitement and controversy as human embryonic stem cells. The potential of these cells to replace diseased or damaged cells in virtually every tissue of the body heralds the advent of an extraordinary new field of medicine. Controversy arises, however, because current techniques required to harvest stem cells involve the destruction of the... |
 | 100 Questions & Answers About Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation by Ewa Carrier, Gracy Ledingham This text is a patient-oriented guide to dealing with a bone marrow or stem cell... |
 | Stem Cell Now by Christopher Thomas Scott The essential account of the most important scientific advance—and most volatile ethical debate—of our time While many believe stem cell research holds the key to curing a wide range of ailments, others see this research as opening a Pandora’s box that will devalue human life. In Stem Cell Now, Christopher Scott—executive director of Stanford University’s Stem Cells and Society... |
 | Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Therapy: The Gift of Healing from Healthy Newborns by Anthony G. Payne, David Steenblock We are standing at the threshold of a new and exciting medical era-an era of regeneration, rejuvenation, and renewal in which stems cells will set the stage for healing and in some cases, the restoration of injured, diseased, and debilitated tissues and organ. While stem cell therapy is still in its infancy, the field is rich with promise. The debate over the use of embryonic stem cells and... |
 | Human Stem Cell Manual: A Laboratory Guide Stem cells are self-replicating and undifferentiated, meaning their function is not yet cell, tissue, or organ-specific. Due to the unique nature of these cells, research into their biology and function holds great promise for therapeutic applications through replacement or repair of diseased and damaged cells. This reader-friendly manual provides a practical "hands on" guide to the culture of... |
 | Miracle Stem Cell Heart Repair: (For Heart Attack, Heart Failure and Bypass Patients) by Christian Wilde |
| © 2008 BrightSurf.com |