( Having recently identified the molecula...)Stem cells found in adult hair follicles may provide alternative to embryonic stem cells

Having recently identified the molecular signature of these epidermal neural crest stem cells in the mouse, their research resolves conflicting scientific opinions by showing that these cells are distinctly different from other types of skin-resident stem cells/progenitors. Their work provides a valuable resource for future mouse neural crest stem cell research.

A report on the research from Dr. Maya Sieber-Blum's laboratory, co-authored by Yao Fei Hu, Ph.D., and Zhi-Jian Zhang, Ph.D., researchers in cell biology, neurobiology and anatomy at the Medical College, was published in a recent issue of Stem Cells: The International Journal of Cell Differentiation and Proliferation.

Epidermal neural crest stem cells are found in the bulge of hair follicles and have characteristics that combine some advantages of embryonic and adult stem cells, according to lead researcher, Maya Sieber-Blum, Ph.D., professor of cell biology, neurobiology & anatomy. Similar to embryonic stem cells, they have a high degree of plasticity, can be isolated at high levels of purity, and can be expanded in culture. Similar to other types of adult stem cells, they are readily accessible through a minimally invasive procedure and could lead to using a patient's own hair as a source for therapy without the controversy or medical issues of embryonic stem cells.

"We see the potential for cell replacement therapy in which patients can be their own donors, which would avoid ethical issues and reduce the possibility of tissue incompatibility," says Dr. Sieber-Blum.

The Medical College team in collaboration with Prof. Martin Schwab, director of the Brain Research Institute of the University of Zürich, recently injected these cells in mice with spinal cord injuries. According to the study, when grafted into the spine, the cells not only survived, but also demonstrated several desirable characteristics that could lead to local nerve replacement and re-myelination (rest
'"/>

Source:Medical College of Wisconsin

Page: 1 2
Related biology news :

1. Wisconsin scientists grow critical nerve cells
2. Spleen may be source of versatile stem cells
3. Researchers discover way to make cells in the eye sensitive to light
4. Priming embryonic stem cells to fulfill their promise
5. Lack of enzyme turns fat cells into fat burners
6. Poor prenatal nutrition permanently damages function of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas
7. Elusive HIV shape change revealed; Key clue to how virus infects cells
8. Mouse brain cells rapidly recover after Alzheimers plaques are cleared
9. Enzyme allows B cells to resist death, leading to leukemia
10. Scientists rid stem cell culture of key animal cells
11. Genetically modified natural killer immune cells attack, kill leukemia cells