More On Controlling Stem Cells

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Forbes has more on recent advances in our knowledge of stem cell differentiation and ability to control it. "In experiments with mice, scientists believe they've discovered a new class of gene signals that either prevent or permit stem cells to develop into specific cell types ... This discovery could lead to new stem cell therapies. We have very little understanding of how stem cells work. This is a small piece of the puzzle of how stem cells maintain their stem 'cell-ness.'" These new insights follow on from recent work linking the biochemistry of graying hair, stem cells and melanomas. "It is fascinating that these embryonic genes are active in adult stem cells. The big issue is, can adult stem cells ever be as multipotential as embryonic stem cells? And we still don't know the answer."

Link: http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/health/feeds/hscout/2005/02/23/hscout524154.html