A group of researchers from two organizations – Columbia University and the New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSEF) – have produced a line of embryonic stem cells that matches the human body and is specially designed for diabetes treatment. The announcement of their findings in April 2014 represents the first creation of embryonic stem cells in two chromosome sets.
The scientists have been at work since 2006 on this project, the original goal of which was to make embryonic stem cell lines that were specific to each patient. Three years ago, the research team announced the generation of a line of embryonic stem cells derived from human skin. At that time, though, the cells could not be used for stem cell therapy because they had three chromosome sets rather than two – a problem that is now solved.
How the cells are produced & reasons for collaboration
Many patients want to know how the stem cell injections used for their treatments were created, to assuage any ethical concerns. In this particular case, somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) allowed the medical researchers to produce the new cells. SCNT is performed by combining oocytes from donors – egg cells that could have been used for reproduction but in this case were unfertilized – with skin cell nuclei extracted from a patient.
Some of the original research for the diabetes treatment study was conducted at Harvard University. Columbia University, in partnership with the Harvard researchers, served as the location for skin biopsies. The researchers encountered a hurdle when they realized they would not be able to perform nucleus isolation within the Columbia laboratory: the lab is partially funded by the federal government, which does not allow that type of cellular manipulation. The NYSCF facility – the most sizable independent center focused on stem cells in the nation – was utilized to continue the study.
Finding does not mean study is complete
The core problem for patients suffering from type 1 diabetes is that they do not have enough beta cells to generate a sufficient amount of insulin. The idea with the study was to repopulate beta cells by creating them out of stem cells. These stem cell injections, modified using cells from the skin of individual patients, would be personally compatible, directly corresponding to their DNA.
The cells now exist, but they are not yet safe for stem cell therapy. First, techniques must be devised that can effectively block the immune system from targeting the beta cells.
Weston Medical is committed to remaining on the cutting-edge of medical science. A major field for current innovation is the use of stem cells in orthopedics for regenerative purposes. All of the techniques we use to alleviate pain and increase joint functionality are based on sound, ethical scientific research. Contact us and get your free consultation today: 954-888-6650.
