Adult stem cell research shows promise for transplant therapies

[Rosalinda]

Breakthrough research from the University of Minnesota. Interesting to note this work has been corroborated by Irving Weissman.

The researchers used multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs), which can be isolated from bone marrow and have the ability in the laboratory to differentiate into different specific types of cells such as liver, bone and neural cells.
Catherine Verfaillie, M.D., director of the University’s Stem Cell Institute, first identified MAPCs in 2001… Since their identification, the methods to isolate and grow MAPCs have been improved (see publication in Experimental Hematology, October 2006). This latest research will be available online from the Journal of Experimental Medicine on January 15; it will appear in the Jan. 22, 2007; print edition of the journal. Verfaillie and her team isolated MAPCs from mice and expanded them for at least 80 doublings in the lab. They then transplanted the cells into mice that received radiation and thus had no immune system.

[sign]“The cells not only survived when transplanted but they completely repopulated the blood system of the mice,” Verfaillie said. The MAPCs did not differentiate into other cell types, such as liver or brain cells, nor did they form tumors in any animals[/sign]

eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-01/uom-uom011207.php

 

[Rosalinda]

…In the November 2006 issue of the journal Stem Cells, Verfaillie described how MAPCs can be isolated from pig bone marrow. Pigs are routinely used as a model for humans, especially in cardiovascular research. The researchers were able to isolate and grow the pig MAPCs with some modifications much like they identify human, mouse and rat MAPCs. After isolating the MAPCs, the scientists were able to differentiate the cells into different types of cells that give rise to bone, smooth muscle, fat, cartilage, endothelium (cells that line blood vessels), and cells that are similar to liver and brain cells…

For more exciting work in Spain and elsewhere which points to clinical applications for heart and stroke patients:

eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-01/uom-uom011207.php