( replicate the currently available emb...)Discarded placentas deliver researchers promising cells similar to embryonic stem cells

replicate, the currently available embryonic stem cell lines require a bed of mouse cells, traces of which can end up in each new generation of stem cells. Amniotic epithelial cells, on the other hand, create their own feeder layer, with some cells choosing to spread out at the bottom of the culture dish thereby giving those cells just above them the best environment for replicating and for retaining their stem cell characteristics.

With the addition of various growth factors, the authors report the amnion-derived cells could differentiate to become liver cells, heart cells, the glial and neuronal cells that make up the nervous system, and pancreatic cells with genetic markers for insulin and glycogen production.

"In this first paper we sought to determine if amniotic epithelial cells have the potential to differentiate into many different cell types rather than focusing on ways for optimizing this potential for a specific cell type. Further studies will be required to better understand if and how they may be useful in a clinical setting," Dr. Strom added.

The researchers say their original motivation was, and still is, to identify cells with the same therapeutic promise as embryonic stem cells. To this end, they began looking at the viability of amnion as a cell source in late 2001, obtaining discarded placentas from full-term births under an Institutional Review Board-approved protocol. In 2002, the University of Pittsburgh licensed the technology to a company now called Stemnion, LLC, and as part of the agreement, and in keeping with university patent policy, Drs. Strom and Miki will receive license proceeds. Both have served as paid consultants and hold equity in Stemnion.

The research was supported by the Alpha-1 Foundation and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a part of the National Institutes of Health. In addition to Drs. Miki and Strom, other authors are Thomas Lehmann, Ph.D., and Hongbo C
'"/>

Source:University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Page: 1 2 3 4
Related biology news :

1. New methods of gene delivery using lasers
2. Recombinant DNA technology may enable oral, rather than injectable, delivery of protein drugs
3. Self-assembled DNA buckyballs for drug delivery
4. New research could help us deliver genes for new bone formation
5. Cookbook recipes would cure disease with nontoxic DNA delivery systems
6. Bare metal stents deliver gene therapy to heart vessels with less inflammation in animal studies
7. Targeted drug delivery achieved with nanoparticle-aptamer bioconjugates
8. Cellular scale drug delivery from the inside out
9. Wrinkled membranes create novel drug-delivery system
10. Scientists force viruses to evolve as better delivery vehicles for gene therapy
11. New self-exploding microcapsules could take sting out of drug delivery