Scientists say they can use chemicals to turn mature cells into patient-specific stem cells instead of relying on potentially cancer-causing genes.
U.S. researchers used chemicals to replace two of the four genes wanted to turn adult cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are similar to embryonic stem cells.
"Stem cells have the greatest potential to dramatically change and improve the way we treat diseases," study lead author Justin K. Ichida, of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, said in a news release. "We're very excited about our findings because it means that in the near future we should be able to make boundless supplies of stem cells and possibly replacement cells for patients with diseases."
Previous research identified four genes that can transform adult stem cells into iPS cells. The genes are delivered via a retrovirus that integrates into a cell's DNA. However, the DNA from the virus remains in the cells and, over time, may activate cancer-causing genes.
In this study, the researchers substituted small chemical molecules for two of the genes. "This discovery is thrilling because it demonstrates the feasibility of using chemicals to make safer patient-specific stem cells for transplantation medicine," Ichida said.
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U.S. researchers used chemicals to replace two of the four genes wanted to turn adult cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are similar to embryonic stem cells.
"Stem cells have the greatest potential to dramatically change and improve the way we treat diseases," study lead author Justin K. Ichida, of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, said in a news release. "We're very excited about our findings because it means that in the near future we should be able to make boundless supplies of stem cells and possibly replacement cells for patients with diseases."
Previous research identified four genes that can transform adult stem cells into iPS cells. The genes are delivered via a retrovirus that integrates into a cell's DNA. However, the DNA from the virus remains in the cells and, over time, may activate cancer-causing genes.
In this study, the researchers substituted small chemical molecules for two of the genes. "This discovery is thrilling because it demonstrates the feasibility of using chemicals to make safer patient-specific stem cells for transplantation medicine," Ichida said.
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