Control Is The Key To Cell Therapies

From EurekAlert, a good demonstration of the sort of control over cellular processes that is at the heart of progress in cell therapies: "The key gene that the scientists studied is called brahma-related gene-1 (Brg-1) that is found in both mice and humans. ... This research shows us that in mice, Brg-1 is a critical signal that prevents stem cells from turning into neurons at the wrong time. However, since we can manipulate Brg1 expression in stem cells in culture, we now have a powerful way to generate neurons that could be used to replace cells lost in a variety of diseases and conditions that affect the brain and spinal cord. That is our next step. Since the process only involves a single gene, it is highly amenable for the development of drugs targeted at promoting stem cell differentiation in the adult nervous system."

Link: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2005-12/ohs-ods121405.php

Comment Submission

Post a comment; thoughtful, considered opinions are valued. New comments can be edited for a few minutes following submission. Comments incorporating ad hominem attacks, advertising, and other forms of inappropriate behavior are likely to be deleted.

Note that there is a comment feed for those who like to keep up with conversations.