Researchers have found a new way to transform "ordinary stem cells into powerful stem cells" by sprinkling a chemical onto the cells. This chemical allows a team of scientists at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute in Massachusetts to use a mixture of 2 genes to transform skin cells into "powerful induced pluripotent stem cells or 1PS cells." (Maggie Fox, Reuters)
Though these cells may prove difficult to make, however as they require the use of embryo or cloning technology and certain groups object to these practices in places like the US, making funding limited. In order to place these genes into the cells, the scientists have to place a retrovirus in order to get their material into the cells they infect. But this can prove dangerous and can cause tumors, among other things.
However, results of recent tests have proven promising, as doctors like Danwei Huangfu say the other 2 genes may not even be needed. The way the physical chromosomes are structured, scientist may be able to alter their DNA more easily. "These results support the possibility of reprogramming through purely chemical means, which would make therapeutic use of reprogrammed cells safer and more practical," Huangfu wrote in the group's report.
"This study demonstrates there's a possibility that instead of using genes and viruses to reprogram cells, one can use chemicals," said Dr. Doug Melton, who directed the study published in the journal Nature Biotechnology. Huangfu, a postdoctoral researcher in his lab, confirmed that this was the first time lab scientists feel they can actually make stem cells by inducing this chemical.
Stem cells are the body's main cells, which give rise to tissues, organs and blood. Embryonic stem cells are thought to be the most powerful kinds of stem cells, since they alone have the power to "give rise to any type of tissue." Doctors hope this find will be used to transform the way they use medicine.
Doctor Melton, for example wants to find a way to reuse the pancreatic cells destroyed in type 1 diabetes to hopefully cure the disease. "We may need two types of chemicals, 1 to loosen the chromatin structure, and one to reprogram. We are looking for that reprogramming chemical and it should be possible to find it eventually," Huangfu said.
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