University of Buffalo Research Project

University of Buffalo Research Project

The University of Buffalo has issued a press release about a $1.98 million grant from NIH to research the use of adult mesenchymal stem cells to treat a condition called “hibernating myocardium,” in which blood-deprived heart cells slow down their metabolisms to keep functioning. Previous research has shown that increasing the blood supply to the area can help but that cells in the left ventricle often do not return to their normal state. The research will begin by studying the stem cells themselves and learning more about their functioning. One of the issues is how they will be affected by aging—they are potentially less potent if older. The cells will eventually be transplanted into pigs with hibernating myocardium to see what their functioning is in vivo.

Liver Progress

Liver Progress

Researchers at the University of Washington have successfully transplanted liver stem cells into the damaged livers of mice, where they replaced dead cells. The stem cells were obtained from the tissue of aborted fetuses donated to research. The Seattle Times reports that the researchers were able to coax the cells into becoming other kinds of tissue as well, including blood vessel, bone, and cartilage. Scientists have not thus far been able to isolate liver stem cells from adults.

The cells were isolated by means of detecting a particular protein, then were grown in culture for up to six months. At various times during that period they were injected into the mice. They did not replace the entire damage to the mouse liver, but did repair some of it.