New Stem-cell Findings Can Help The Body To Cure Itself

Source: Karolinska Institutet
Posted: June 16, 2006

Summary:

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified an important mechanism that regulates how many new cells are produced by each intestinal stem cell. The finding could lead to the development of new drugs for conditions such as anaemia, and neurological disorders. The researchers succeeded in showing how mechanism enables the body's own stem cells to regulate the number of new cells produced. They have identified a signal transduction process that regulates the degree of stem-cell division. They hope that the new findings can be used to develop drugs that stimulate, for example, the formation of new nerve cells to treat conditions such as stroke and Parkinson's and skin cells to facilitate the healing of wounds.

Commentary: This study could lead to the development of new drugs and new applications using stem cells to treat diseases and injuries.