Archive for the ‘News’ Category:
Stem cells in 2020
Before going ahead and explaining the possibilities that are on the verge of development based on the regenerative capabilities of a stem cell, let us first understand what a stem cell is actually. Stem cells are the basic group of cells that have the extremely potent capability of regenerating themselves. The process through which they regenerate themselves is known as mitotic cell division and after the division, the previously unspecialized cells turn into specialized cells for specific organs through cellular differentiation. These cells are not found in unicellular organisms, but are found in varying quantities within all multi cellular organisms. Embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells are the two types of stem cells that are present inside all mammals naturally. The function of the embryonic stem cells is to differentiate and form all of the embryonic organs and tissues. As adult stem cells, they are more given towards repairing organ cells, but they constantly contribute to regeneration by helping the natural renewal of skin and blood.
As the stem cells in a human being possess regenerative properties along with the ability to form specialized cells, they have been a great prospect for achieving ground breaking technological progress in the field of medical science since 1960, when Ernest A. McCulloch and James E. Till started it all in the University of Toronto. The study on cell culture has allowed us at the moment, to control both the growth and differentiating property of certain stem cells, which subsequently can be used to create specialized muscle and nerve cells. Now that medical science is able to incorporate autologous transplantations and stem cell culture successfully up to a small extent, the prospects in the next decade look bright for the field.
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer is commonly called “cloning” and it is with cloning that some of the greatest medical breakthroughs of the future might rest. This is a laboratory process which involves removing the nucleus of both the somatic cell and the egg cell, but the difference lies in the fact that in case of the non-reproductive cell, only the nucleus is retained, while in case of the egg cell, only the nucleus is discarded. The nucleus of the somatic cell is now entered inside the egg cell as a replacement for the nucleus that was removed earlier. On accepting the nucleus, the fertilized cell starts to divide after the required stimulation. The blastocyst that forms through the series of mitotic divisions can now be called a “clone” or a genetic duplicate of the host. The use of this procedure is multifaceted and holds great promise for the future. If the SCNT procedure was performed successfully to create the stem cells responsible for a particular type of disease, then it would be so much easier to study the disease and know almost everything that there is to know about it. This extensive knowledge gained could then be used to device a cure for that particular disease or genetic disorder. If it is possible to create customized cells, then a very important step could be taken in matters of medical transplantation. The most common problem with cell-based treatments is that there remains a chance that the immune system of the patient may reject the procedure, but if SCNT is implemented successfully in the near future, even entire organ transplants would not be rejected as it would be made from the stem cells of the patient itself. Human cloning does come to mind while observing the pattern of the procedure but it is a far more complex process than cloning a sheep (Dolly). Although it is considered by some to be too complicated, others believe that stem cells hold the key to human cloning in the coming years.
“Induced pluripotent stem cells” or iPSCs is another technology that is based on the ongoing research about possible uses of the stem cell’s properties now and in the future. This is a technique that involves making a somatic cell of the body; behave like a pluripotent stem cell by genetically manipulating it. The iPSCs have most things in common with the natural stem cells in terms of teratoma structure, chimera structure, embryoid structure along with the differentiability and the ability to regenerate. One problem that might arise while using the iPSCs is the chance of these converted pluripotent cells turning out to be cancerous in nature because of the genetic engineering that they go through. This is one of the biggest barriers that stand in front of therapeutic initiation of iPSCs in human beings, but in 2008, a scientific journal suggested ways of countering and completely removing oncogenes. The appropriate implementation of the technique as well as the entire procedure is still a few years away, but hopes are that by 2020, medical experts will be able to do all of this successfully.
We have touched a portion of the popular forms of research on stem cells that is going on today to yield results for tomorrow, let us now consider some final adaptations of those techniques in medical science that we can expect by the year 2020.
1. Alopecia or Baldness – Hair loss is a common problem that men and women suffer from all over the world, but the reasons may differ from individual to individual though. As premature baldness is a seriously undesirable effect, entire industries of hair care products and hair treatment centers have come into being, but the technology to initiate dependable hair growth is yet not available to us. It is believed that by the year 2020, growth of new hair from the scalp and restoration of old malfunctioning hair follicles can be made possible through developments on stem cell research.
2. Regeneration of external body parts (limbs) – It may sound farfetched at this moment, but due to the discovery of the P21 gene, it might just be possible in the year 2020. The function of this cell is to prevent cancerous growth when the DNA of the cell is damaged, but by controlling P21, it might be possible in the future to make the cells grow in a regenerative fashion, instead of growing in a cancerous manner. It may even be possible to repair brain cells with this procedure.
3. Regeneration of hearing abilities and teeth – Deafness is a result of malfunctioning or damaged cochlear and vestibular hair cells that are found within our inner ears. It might be possible to repair or re-grow these hair cells through inducing stem cells with proper stimulation. Although it is a success with mice already, human beings might have to wait till the year 2020 to actually benefit from this method. Expected also by 2020, is tooth regeneration. Fillings will no longer be necessary and artificial teeth will become obsolete as well, because stem cells and scaffold matter, with the assistance of signaling molecules, should allow doctors to grow perfect teeth that can replace old and rotting ones from the gum. Can you imagine what your visit to a San Diego orthodontist would be like with this technology available?
4. Organ transplantation – The most anticipated breakthrough that medical science hopes to achieve by 2020, is the ability to grow an entire organ fit for transplantation to the patient. Heart is the priority, but liver, kidney, lungs and other organs will also be safely transplantable once the stem cell technology reaches such a level that medical science is not limited to only growing specific tissues, tendons and cartilages. If growing an organ using the stem cells of the patient itself becomes possible, then the results could be globally influential. No one will need to donate their organs to save someone and the costs of transplantation would also come down to a more affordable level. Furthermore, the possibility of immune system rejection will also be nullified. Naturally, this would bring down the death rate among human beings due to organ failure to a remarkable minimum.
Subscribe to the comments for this postEmergence of China as the World’s Leading Power in Research and Development of Stem Cell Technology
The President and CEO of Emerging Healthcare Solutions Inc. (EHSI) Cindy Morrissey has stated that China is slowly becoming the world’s leading power in research and development of stem cell technology. Chinese authorities have been supporting and encouraging both research and development of stem cell technology over the recent years which is why some of the most revolutionary achievements in the field of stem cells are reported from China rather than Western countries.
Early in December 2010, a four year old girl named Izabelle Evans from the United Kingdom has returned from China where she has received a stem cell therapy. Izabelle suffers from a rare disease acquired at birth that causes blindness. Instead of million nerves that are necessary to see, Izabelle had few hundred only. Her parents have taken her to China where she received stem cells derived from umbilical cord from healthy babies. Izabelle, that was completely blind before receiving stem cell treatment can today see three feet in front, while her parents believe that another stem cell therapy could additionally improve the sight of their 4 year old daughter.
Morrissey has stated that she intends to visit China soon in order to meet with Chinese leading scientists in the field of stem cell technology and perhaps even open an office in China. In this case, the EHSI could significantly increase its global influence. Recently, it has acquired Celulas Genetica – the leading stem cell company in Central America and opened its offices in Germany and Poland in October 2010. The company is currently also working on gaining of a license for a NASA bioreactor that enables multiplication of stem cell derived from adult tissue. The company is convinced that stem cells from obtained from NASA bioreactor could be used to treat tissue damaged by a disease or injury.
Stem Cell Therapy for Pets
Stem cell therapy has the potential to cure many chronic and even life-threatening conditions in humans but it can be also used to help pets such as the 7 years old Labradoodle called Bradley that was suffering from arthritic hip causing him a lot of pain. His owner, Dr. John Herrity who runs an animal clinic has not hesitated when he learned that stem cell therapy can help his dog.
Dr. Herrity learned about the stem cell therapy that can be used in pets from MediVet America that teaches animal clinics to perform stem cell therapies in animals all over America. In May, the group has arrived to Herrity’s clinic and that is how Dr. Herrity got the all necessary information to help his pet. He has taken a fat tissue from Bradley’s shoulder from which he isolated healthy cells and then injected them into the dog’s arthritic hip. The treatment lasted six hours, while Bradley was released into home care immediately after the treatment. Within the following three months, the injected stem cells will grow into new tissue and eliminate the pain. Dr. Herrity also said that the stem cell therapy that costed $1,500 is a lot less expensive and efficient than replacement of the arthritic hip and long-term medications.
According to Katherine Wilkie from the MediVet America, the stem cell treatment that was used in Dr. Herrity’s dog can be also used in dogs that suffer from osteoarthritis, ligament disorders and injuries, and even bone fractures. The mentioned stem cell therapy can be also performed on other pets including cats and horses. Unfortunately, stem cell therapy cannot be done on animals with cancer and diseases in advanced stage. The mentioned stem cell therapy has been announced to become available for cosmetic purposes in humans in approximately six months.
Reprogramming Cells with RNA
Dr. Derrick Rossi who has been named on the Time’s 2010 list of People Who Mattered has developed a method that allows manipulation of adults cells into embryonic-like stem cells which eliminates the need for stem cells derived from human embryonic tissue. In addition, Dr. Rossi was able to avoid the risk of cancer that has been shown to be problematic in conventional stem cell manipulation techniques using DNA. He used synthesized RNA molecules rather than DNA.
Dr. Rossi’s method enables the scientists to turn adult stem cells into embryonic-like stem cells which have the ability to become any cell in the body, and even tissue and organs. The new method has thrilled the scientific community because embryonic-like stem cells are believed to have a major potential in treatment of many chronic diseases and life-threatening conditions. Dr. Rossi’s procedure allows manipulation of the patient’s own cells to obtain stem cells which can be then used to be turned into tissue that has been either lost or damaged due to disease or injury. The methods that have been used so far for reprogramming stem cells have been linked to increased risk of cancer which made them unsuitable for clinical uses. Dr. Rossi’s method also eliminates the risk of the body rejecting the introduced stem cells as it uses the patient’s own cells.
The procedure that has been developed by Dr. Rossi bases on manipulation of adult cells into embryonic-like stem cells by adding synthetic RNA molecules as well as some chemicals that prevent an immune attack when the RNA molecules are added to the cell. The new cell manipulation method that enables creation of embryonic-like stem cells from adult cells requires further studies and trials to determine whether they can be used in medicine though Dr. Rossi has already founded a company that will commercialize his method.
Scientists Find New Evidence for the Theory of Cancer Stem Cells
A group of scientists at the Stanford University School of Medicine has announced that they have discovered new evidence that supports the theory of cancer stem cells. Their study included analysis of over 1000 patients who were treated for an aggressive form of blood cancer known as acute myeloid leukemia at cancer centers in Europe, Japan and the United States.
The results of their study has shown that patients with higher expression of genes that are linked to cancer stem cells have less chances to recover from the disease than people who have lower expression of these genes. This does not only support the theory of cancer stem cells but may be also helpful for determining the best treatment options for patients who have been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.
Acute myeloid leukemia is a very aggressive form of blood cancer with a high mortality rate. About 70% of patients with this type of leukemia die within 5 years after being diagnosed with the disease. So far, very little advances have been made in treatment of this type of leukemia over the last four decades. The scientists at the Stanford University School of Medicine think that their discovery may explain why patients who suffer from acute myeloid leukemia respond poorly to the conventional cancer treatments.
Upon comparing the healthy blood stem cells and cancer stem cells the researchers have discovered that cancer cells do not multiply unless necessary. The scientists think that this may be the reason for the conventional cancer treatment methods failing to destroy these cancer cells. Many cancer treatments do not identify cancer cells but simply target cells that multiply rapidly. The researchers have said that they will now focus on finding ways to make their findings useful in medicine. They also hope to find enough data to be able to determine which treatment options would work best for patients with higher expression of genes that are linked to cancer stem cells.
Research on Stems Cells Derived from Embryonic Tissue Put on Hold
The court decision that has banned the research on stem cells derived from human embryonic tissue has resulted in serious interruption of projects that have the potentials to cure many currently incurable diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, Down’s syndrome and many others. Many scientists are concerned that the court’s unexpected decision can seriously affect the progress in the field of stem cell research if the US Congress does not react quickly.
Stems cells derived from embryonic tissue have shown to have a major potential for development of new therapies and treatments for numerous chronic and life-threatening conditions. These stem cells have the ability to turn into virtually any cell in the body and the court’s decision could seriously jeopardize the progress that has been achieved so far. Many scientists have emphasized that major discoveries in medicine require years of hard work as well as uninterrupted funding. Many treatments and therapies require years of studying and clinical trials before they become available to patients, while any interruption such as the recent one could push back the trials to the beginning and add few more years to procedures that are required before a particular treatment or therapy is finally approved to be used in patients.
Researches on stem cells in private laboratories continue but the scientists warn that the impact of the court’s decision could have a devastating impact on the stem cell research in the United States if the Congress does not react immediately and renews the federal support to research on stem cells derived from human embryonic tissue. Even more, they have expressed a concern about prominent scientists in the field leaving the United States for countries that support researches on stem cells derived from embryonic tissue which could cause a serious blow to the nation’s scientific community.
Scientist have Created Intestine by Using Stem Cell Technology
A group of scientists at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center has revealed that they have created a fully functioning intestine by using the stem cell technology. The exciting news that was published in the journal Nature on December 19, 2010, is one of many revolutionary breakthroughs lately. One week earlier, the German researchers have revealed that the so-called Berlin patient is the first person to be cured of HIV infection by using stem cell technology as well.
The researchers at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center have said that the intestine they have created in laboratory was able to absorb the nutrients and released substances that aid in digestion and food processing. The intestine that was created from stem cells was also able to defend itself from harmful bacteria. This means that the created intestine was functioning just like the real intestine. The creation of first functioning intestine by using stem cell technology implies that the same procedure might be someday used in medicine to transplant new intestinal tissue.
The news of creation of a fully functioning intestine from stem cells as well as the news of the use of stem cell technology as a potential cure for HIV/AIDS has thrilled the Emerging Healthcare Solutions Inc. (EHSI). The president and CEO of the company Cindy Morrissey has compared the discoveries with science fiction coming true. She also said that every major breakthrough such as those mentioned above results in increased demand for stem cell treatments worldwide.
The EHSI is a Houston based company that invests in stem cell technology. The company has gained Celulas Genetica, the leading developer of stem cell technology in Central America recently and also opened their offices in Western and Central Europe including Frankfurt (Germany) and Warsaw (Poland) with an aim to remain in contact with some of the leading stem cell research centers in this part of Europe.
Derrick Rossi on the Time’s 2010 List of People Who Mattered
Dr. Derrick Rossi who is an Assistant Professor of Pathology at the Harvard Medical School is one of the three scientists who were included on the Time’s 2010 list of People Who Mattered for his discovery on the field of stem cell technology. Dr. Rossi has developed a procedure that allows the manipulation of skin cells into the so-called iPS cells (pluripotent stem cells). In addition, Dr. Rossi’s procedure has shown not to pose a risk of cancer like other procedures used for creation of iPS cells. Other two scientists that were named on the list of People Who Mattered by the Times are J. Craig Venter, PhD, and Margaret Hamburg, MD.
After being named on the Time’s List of People Who Mattered, Dr. Rossi was also named one of six New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSTF) Investigators and received $1.5 million for his research over the next five years to accelerate the potentials of stem cell technology which in turn would accelerate the use of stem cell technology for medicinal purposes including curing diseases. The CEO of NYSF Susan L. Solomon has stated that Dr. Rossi’s achievements have shown the potentials of the future use of stem cells for treatment of a large number of health problems including diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and diabetes.
Dr. Derrick Rossi has started his career at the Mount Sinai Research Institute at the University of Toronto. He holds Bachelors of Science and Masters of Science degrees from University of Toronto and PhD. from University of Helsinki. Currently, Dr. Rossi runs a laboratory at the Immune Disease Institute at Harvard Medical School and works with his team on factors that are crucial for regulation of self-renewal and pluripotency. Dr. Rossi also investigates the manipulation of stem cell into cells that could be used in medicine.
Stem Cell Therapy – A Cure for Baldness?
Scientists at the Berlin University have made a major breakthrough in finding a cure for male pattern baldness which could replace the existing baldness treatment that lasts up to 10 hours and requires repeated sessions. The team of researchers led by Dr. Roland Lauster has managed to grow hair follicles from animal cells. They believe that they will be able to grow human hair follicles and skin within a year.
Stem cells are the master cells which can be turned to any cells and even tissue and organs by laboratory manipulation. They are widely considered as the future of medicine but the progress is slow and currently, only few stem cell treatments are available. However, the scientists at the Berlin University think they are very close of development of stem cell therapy that will replace the existing baldness treatment that involves implantation of hair follicles from the back and side to the scalp. This procedure lasts from 5 to 10 hours and needs to be repeated in order to maintain the natural appearance.
Dr. Lauster and his team have grown hair follicles from animal cells which were slightly thinner that natural human hair. The scientists believe that they will be able to grow human hair in about a year. Even more, Dr. Lauster has stated that they have already started to prepare for clinical trials.
In addition to providing a cure for male pattern baldness, Dr. Lauster believes that their procedure will also end the need for animal testing in order to determine safety and efficiency of cosmetic products for humans. Dr. Lauster has said that the hair follicles grown in laboratory could be used for testing new cosmetics and even drugs. He also hopes to grow a kidney, liver and bone marrow jointly with the Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology.
Effects of Stem Cell Therapy in Leukemia Patients
A study conducted by a team of German scientists has compared the effects of bone marrow transplantation and stem cell therapy in leukemia patients. The researchers at the Charite Medicine University in Berlin have discovered that the average survival rate in leukemia patients who underwent stem cell therapy is virtually the same than in those who have received transplantation of bone marrow. However, the German scientists also discovered that the conventional leukemia treatment may be a better treatment option for patients suffering from some types of blood cancer.
Stem cell therapy that involves transplantation of stem cells from peripheral blood is less invasive than transplantation of bone marrow that requires surgery and general anesthesia. In addition, stem cell therapy helps prevent numerous complications that can occur during collection of a bone marrow. For that reason the German researchers were very excited about the results of their study that have shown that leukemia patients who have received a stem cell therapy can expect similar effects than those who have received transplantation of bone marrow. The 10 year survival rate in leukemia patients receiving transplantation of bone marrow is about 56% and approximately 49% in patients who have received stem cell therapy.
The study that included nearly 330 leukemia patients in over 40 centers for transplantation in Europe, Australia and Israel has also shown that the conventional leukemia treatment involving transplantation of bone marrow is probably a better treatment option for patients with some types of acute blood cancer. The results of the study have shown that the 10 year survival rate in patients with acute leukemia who have received transplantation of bone marrow is about 15% higher than in patients receiving stem cell therapy. On the base of the results of the study, the German scientists have concluded that transplantation of bone marrow remains a better treatment options for acute leukemia.