Source: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and PloS Medicine
Posted: May 4, 2006
Summary:
Scientists have developed a way to expand hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs )the cells that can give rise to all blood and most immune cell types in the laboratory prior to transplantation. The expression of a gene can instruct stem cells to divide and make more stem cells. When the researchers tested those expanded cell populations in monkeys that had received a lethal dose of radiation, they found that they were better at reconstituting the monkeys' immune and blood systems.
Scientists believe that such "clean expansion" of HSCs holds great potential for application in human transplant recipients.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will lead to improved treatments and outcomes for Leukemia and cancer patients
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