woof...anything new on the fur follicle front?
Posted on 12/12/2006 3:27:32 PM PST by wagglebee
Madison, WI (LifeNews.com) -- Scientists at the Medical College of Wisconsin have found what may be another alternative to embryonic stem cells. They have found that adult stem cells from hair follicles, which don't involve the destruction of human life to obtain, are different from other types of skin cells.
The researchers recently identified the molecular signature of hair follicle stem cells called epidermal neural crest stem cells.
The college says the study resolves conflicting scientific opinions by showing that these cells are distinctly different from other types of skin-resident stem cells.
The MCW research team has reported their findings 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.
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.
Sieber-Blum says the hair cells are similar to other types of adult stem cells, as 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 transplant problems associated with 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 Zьrich, 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 (restoration of nerve pathways and sheaths).
Neural crest stem cells generate a wide array of cell types and tissues. The cells can be isolated from the hair follicle bulge as multipotent stem cells, and then expanded in culture into millions of cells without losing stem cell markers.
"We grafted the cells into mice that have spinal cord injuries and were encouraged by the results. The cells survived and integrated into the spinal cord, remaining at the site of transplantation and not forming tumors," Dr. Sieber-Blum says.
The transplant of embryonic stem cells have caused problems in animal research because they have formed tumors that would cause severe problems in humans.
Sieber-Blum points out that the hair follicle cells may also be useful to treat Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, Hirschsprung's disease, stroke, peripheral neuropathies and ALS. Certain defects of the heart, and bone defects could also be treated through neural crest stem cell replacement therapy.
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There's nothing here that will justify treating human fetuses as disposable blobs of cells. Therefore, there will be limited support for this advance.
woof...anything new on the fur follicle front?
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Of course the drug companies aren't willing to actually spend their own money on ESC research.
The transplant of embryonic stem cells have caused problems in animal research because they have formed tumors that would cause severe problems in humans.
Sieber-Blum points out that the hair follicle cells may also be useful to treat Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, Hirschsprung's disease, stroke, peripheral neuropathies and ALS. Certain defects of the heart, and bone defects could also be treated through neural crest stem cell replacement therapy.
I'm sure Michael J. Fox will be along any minute, to promote research that actually shows some promise. But I'm not going to hold my breath while we wait.
Back Demon Dog!!
:)
People like Michael J. Fox and Nancy Reagan's tutu-clad "son" never mention successful stem cell research because then their ignorant audience might realize that murdering embryos is unnecessary.
I'd be interested to know what percentage of the population believes their lie, that all stem cells come from embryos.
I don't know if Michael J. Fox is simply sad, or pathetic. The fact that a guy would use his physical illness for political propaganda is astounding. I doubt the left will latch onto this hair follicle potential, as the stem cell issue for them has nothing to do with finding cures, but has everything to do with destroying human embryos.
I have a feeling that the "average person" is totally unaware of the incredible successes with adult (including umbilical cord) stem cells.
"I'd be interested to know what percentage of the population believes their lie, that all stem cells come from embryos."
I'd be willing to bet that no less than 70% do.
I'm also willing to bet that this recent line could become pretty popular with the male gender... $$$
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I thought I would pull my hair out before I got through that one. LOL
The drug companies do not like to spend money on a loser. Embryonic stem cells cause tumors, ergo it is a loser.
Stem cells from non-embryonic sources have produced successful treatments, they are winners.
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