From Bone Marrow Cell to Neural Stem Cell

Journal of Cell Science ^ | August 10, 2004 | Andreas Herman, Fegina Gasti, Stefan Liebau, et al

[hocndoc]

It is increasingly clear that tissue-specific stem cells might not be as lineage restricted as originally thought. For example, neural stem cells can repopulate the haematopoietic system, and rare multipotent adult rodent bone marrow stem cells can differentiate into most somatic lineages. Now, Alexander Storch and co-workers describe the efficient conversion of adult human mesodermal stromal cells (hMSCs) from bone marrow into neural stem cell (NSC)-like cells (see p. 4411). The authors convert hMSCs into human marrow-derived NSC-like cells (hmNSCs) by growing them as non-adherent neurospheres – NSCs have previously been derived from embryonic stem cells by a similar approach. The hmNSCs express proneural markers but lose mesodermal markers and, in the presence of selected growth factors, differentiate into astroglia, oligodendroglia and neurons – the three main neural phenotypes. Their cell culture system, say Storch and colleagues, will aid the investigation of the molecular mechanisms of human neural differentiation and could provide a source of autologous cells for the treatment of human neurodegenerative diseases.

[hocndoc]

This is pretty astounding stuff. I can't believe that there hasn't been more fuss, since not only are these cells neural (brain and nerve) cells, they also show the existence of stem cells from one part of the body that can differentiate into cells for another part. (see post below for another, similar discovery about pancreatic stem cells that also seem to differentiate into neural cells.)

Another astounding fact about these cells is that the work was done in Germany, where the scientists have restrictions similar to those in the US on embryonic stem cell research (limited to imports from 2002, in order to prevent creating a market for destruction of embryos for the German market) and where cloning of any type is banned by law.

Here's the abstract for this article: http://jcs.biologists.org/cgi/content/abstract/117/19/4411

[hocndoc]

Let's try again on that url


http://jcs.biologists.org/cgi/content/abstract/117/19/4411


Here's the information on the pancreatic cells found in mice that seem to differentiate into both insulin-producing cells and neural cells.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=12585

This work was done in Canada, at the University of Toronto, where the law has also banned cloning.

[Aracelis]

I can't believe that there hasn't been more fuss

Astounding is right! The possibilities are staggering.

the work was done in Germany, where the scientists have restrictions similar to those in the US on embryonic stem cell research (limited to imports from 2002, in order to prevent creating a market for destruction of embryos for the German market) and where cloning of any type is banned by law.

Don't get me started...the U.S. is WAY behind.

[endthematrix]

Good science, bad scientists.

[GeronL]

Bush is the first President to fund embyonic stem cell research. Adult stem cells are used to treat dozens of disorders and have been since 1957 or thereabouts.

[Aracelis]

Good science, bad scientists.

Ah, yes...avarice is everywhere.

[babygene]

The reason they are not "interested" in adult stem cells has nothing to with how well they work or do not work.

Adult stem cells are more likely to be rejected if used in a patient other than the doner than fetal stem cells. The researchers are interested, not in an end product that has to be customized for each patient, they are interested in something that can be mass produced and mass marketed. With a customized treatment using the patient's cells, rejection would not be an issue.

There is less chance of rejection with fetal stem cells Which means they have a product they can mass market and make a billion bucks on.

It's all about the potential profits, not about the effectiveness.

[babygene]

The reason they are not "interested" in adult stem cells has nothing to with how well they work or do not work.

Adult stem cells are more likely to be rejected if used in a patient other than the doner than fetal stem cells. The researchers are interested, not in an end product that has to be customized for each patient, they are interested in something that can be mass produced and mass marketed. With a customized treatment using the patient's cells, rejection would not be an issue.

There is less chance of rejection with fetal stem cells Which means they have a product they can mass market and make a billion bucks on.

It's all about the potential profits, not about the effectiveness.

[cpforlife.org]

Hello hocndoc,

I just saw this minutes before seeing your thread.

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2004/aug/04082701.html

Adult Stem Cells Beat Arthritis, Fight Diabetes and Even Grow New Jaw Bones

Embryonic stem cells still do nothing but kill the embryo babies they are extracted from.

August 27, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - University of Toronto researchers say they are a step closer to a diabetes cure using adult stem cells. The team found pancreas cells from adult mice could be transformed into new islet cells - the cells that produce insulin. The scientists are hoping the same effect will be reproducible in humans. Type I diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent type, usually begins in childhood and involves the destruction of pancreatic islet cells. The restoration of new insulin-producing islet cells would mean a cure, and eliminate the necessity for ongoing insulin injections for this condition.

Dr Simon Smukler, lead scientist of the study, told the BBC: "People have been intensely searching for pancreatic stem cells for a while now, and so our discovery of precursor cells within the adult pancreas that are capable of making new pancreatic cells is very exciting."

Meanwhile, scientists at Northwestern University in Chicago, using adult stem cells derived from a patient's sister's bone marrow, have successfully treated the woman for crippling rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers reported that her morning stiffness was alleviated before she left hospital, and now, one year later, she is no longer affected by the disease, and able to discontinue all medications.

The stem cell treatment resulted in "marked resolution of the disease manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis," according to a Reuters news report.

Finally, scientists in Germany have successfully re-grown a man's jaw bone, by using his own stem cells, and growing the bone within muscle tissues in his back. The man, whose jaw and half his tongue was removed due to mouth cancer, had his first real meal - a bratwurst sandwich - in nine years. The new jaw bone was re-grown with the aid of stem cells derived from his own bone marrow, hormones to stimulate growth, and a mesh cage. The cage was inserted into the muscle near his shoulder blade, and took seven weeks to grow.

"He demanded reconstruction," facial reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Patrick Warnke said, as reported by the Associated Press. "This patient was really sick of living."

See related coverage and photo:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002017103_jaw27.html

[endthematrix]

"It's all about the potential profits"

It's much worse than that. Money is nothing compared to what is in store for humanity. There are persons who call themselves "scientists" who want nothing less to create something with there own hand. It's being sold to humanity as a savior of it's faulty self, but will ultimately be created for it's control and destruction. The stem cell issue is just the beginning or part of the larger picture of things to come. There are people in the scientific community wanting to change humanity itself. Biology, DNA and tailored genes are the tools of an end game for some.

[lainde]

bttt

[nickcarraway]

There is less chance of rejection with fetal stem cells

In practice, it's turned out to be the opposite. The only test on humans using embryonic stem cells was a complete disaster, and caused great pain to the subjects.

[nickcarraway]

There is less chance of rejection with fetal stem cells

In practice, it's turned out to be the opposite. The only test on humans using embryonic stem cells was a complete disaster, and caused great pain to the subjects.

[nickcarraway]

Another astounding fact about these cells is that the work was done in Germany, where the scientists have restrictions similar to those in the US on embryonic stem cell research

What does that have to do with it? This is talking about adult stem cells.

[jnarcus]

And not a bit of it is EMBRYONIC....so there Ron Reagan and all other demorats out there

[babygene]

"n practice, it's turned out to be the opposite. The only test on humans using embryonic stem cells was a complete disaster, and caused great pain to the subjects"

It was a disaster, but not because of the rejection issue. You are referring to the Parkinson's tests. I followed that very closely because my wife has Parkinson's.

[neverdem]

Thanks for the link.

[zip]

ping

[hocndoc]

Good scientists, too! The cells are *adult* stem cells.

Bad Media (did you see the thread called, "Ah, Reuters."? http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1201369/posts )

[hocndoc]

These adult cells are available from the patient's own bone marrow, so no chance of rejection.

You're right about the potential for marketable products being a prime reason for the choice of research products. However, if the government is funding the research, the university scientists shouldn't worry. Unless their contracts give them the right to also make money through deals with industry.

I'll bet there's some way to make money off these treatments. And if there is, someone will find it.