Researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine have described a new stem cell labeling technique using nanoparticles (microscopic particles) to trace the flow of transplanted stem cells in mice. The technology uses liquid perfluorocarbon nanoparticles which more readily incorporate with stem cells than iron oxide nanoparticles used in current labeling techniques. In the past, iron oxide nanoparticles, which are not as naturally absorbed by stem cells, have required additional treatments to assist in absorption, which had consequently impaired stem cell survival rates. The study, published in the June 2007 edition of the journal 'FASEB,' effectively traced the migration of transplanted stem cells to tumor vasculatures by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to identify the perfluorocarbon markers in mice. The study resulted in a 90% rate of survival in stem cells following a 12 hour period of incubation in perfluorocarbon emulsion. In addition, the nanoparticles were bound within the cell cytoplasm, and not along the outer membrane.
LabTechnologist.comMarch 28, 2007
Neural Stem Cells May Cure Eye Disease
A study conducted by researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison have used neural progenitor cells (immature brain cells) derived from human fetal stem cells to protect the vision of animals suffering from degenerative eye diseases similar to those found in humans. Neural progenitor cells are formative brain cells that arise in early development and have the ability to further differentiate themselves into different types of cells found in the central nervous system. The cells were originally tested for their ability to deliver a growth agent previously shown to treat certain degenerative diseases. However, results showed that the carrier stem cells themselves acted as effective neuroprotectors, without the function of delivering agents or differentiating into retinal cells. Understanding the exact mechanism behind these results requires further research. However, the study, which can be found in the March 28 issue of the journal Public Library of Science (PLoS) One, holds important implications for the potential treatment of degenerative diseases in the future.
eurekalert.orgMarch 27, 2007
Bone Marrow Stem Cells Aid Liver Regeneration
German scientists from the Heinrich-Heine University in Dusseldorf have used adult bone marrow stem cells to regenerate human liver tissue, enabling cancer patients to undergo surgical removal of cancerous growths which would have previously been impossible. The study, published in a March issue of Radiology, involved thirteen patients suffering from large central liver malignancies and undergoing surgical treatment. Seven of the thirteen patients received additional portal vein embolization (PVE) treatment to stimulate quicker liver regeneration by diverting blood flow to the healthy tissue. The results of the study found that the remaining patients who received a combined treatment of PVE and bone marrow stem cell transplant doubled the amount of healthy liver tissue enabling recovery and survival from rapidly spreading cancer. The team is seeking to further research in an aim to bring the therapy to market. The results could have important implications for the survival of patients with liver cancer.
