Researchers at the Imperial College of London have discovered a drug that has the ability to liberate stem cells from a patient’s bone marrow. Rather than injecting patients with donor embryonic stem cells or cells from stem cell banks doctors are able to manipulate an individuals’ own stem cells.
This discovery allows scientists to ‘skip’ the ethical dilemmas surrounding the use of stem cells that originate from human embryos.
Previously it has been possible to liberate stem cells to develop specifically into red blood cells. This new research has allowed researchers to liberate stem cells, which can regenerate other tissues, increasing and improving many patient treatments.
This discovery could lead to new treatment plans for patients suffering from broken bones, cardiac tissue damage etc. Sara Rankin of the college states, “It’s promoting self-healing… We’re simply boosting what’s going on naturally.” (Coghlan, A. 2009)
Researchers began by injecting mice with a natural growth factor for approximately four days. Then they administered Mozobil, a drug which unlocks the stem cells that can then travel into the bloodstream from the bone marrow. (Coghlan, A. 2009) This treatment has been applied to patients suffering from various forms of lymphoma. However, more recently a vascular endothelial growth factor was administered followed by Mozobil. This treatment allowed the production of two other types of stem cells.
Rankin states, “…through further research it might be possible to identify other stem cells that work even better.” (Coghlan, A. 2009) The researchers at the Imperial College of London are also investigating whether these liberating processes become less efficient with age.
Finally, researchers are suggesting that it may be possible to use these new stem cells to make a new organ as the Mobozil treatment would provide the organ with a blood supply thereby, stimulating blood vessel formation.
By Amanda Greaves (42036643)
References: Coghlan, A. (2009) Drugs Unlock the Body’s own Stem Cell Cabinet. (Internet) Available from: http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16383-drugs-unlock-the-bodys-own-stem-cell-cabinet.html (Accessed 26th April 2009)
