UCLA researchers transform stem cells found in human fat into smooth muscle cells

Source: University of California - Los Angeles
Posted: July 24, 2006

Summary:

Researchers from the David Geffen School of Medicine and the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science at UCLA today announced they have transformed adult stem cells taken from human adipose – or fat tissue – into smooth muscle cells, which help the normal function of a multitude of organs like the intestine, bladder and arteries. The study may help lead to the use of fat stem cells for smooth muscle tissue engineering and repair.

Commentary: Maybe this finding will produce clinical applications to treat muscle injury and effective treatments for neuro-muscular diseases.