A research team in the U.S has found a new way to create stem-like cells using ordinary skin cells from patients. Their technique turns back the biological clock in human cells, making the cells behave like embryonic stem cells... minus the debate!
Four genes that can 'turn back time' in cells have been found by several different teams of researchers. The cells that have had their biological clock turned back are called induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells for short. In theory, these iPS cells can be made from each individual patients' skin and used to produce transplants that have no risk of rejection by the patient.
Producing iPS cells is a difficult process. There have been a few different attempts at integrating the genetic material into the cells. One attempt used retroviruses (cells that inject their own genetic material into infected cells), another used the proteins produced by the four genes and acid to reprogram cells, but these methods all had drawbacks, Dr. Robert Lanza of Advanced Cell Technology Inc said.
Dr. Lanza's team uses a peptide to drag the human proteins into the cells to be transformed, a process that the AIDS virus also uses to get into infected cells.
According to Lanza, this method eliminates risks associated with genetic and chemical manipulation, and provides a potentially safe source of iPS cells for use in the clinic.
"Just add some proteins to some ordinary skin cells and you got patient-specific stem cells. It's the ultimate stem cell solution!"
Posted by: s4143590
Source: NewsDaily
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