Tuesday, August 15, 2006

How Human Cells Get Their Marching Orders

Source: The New York Times
Posted: August 15, 2006

Summary:

Biologists at Stanford University say they have discovered a coordinate system in human cells that defines their position in the body. This seems to be the first time a cell-based positioning system has been reported for the adult body of any animal, though positioning systems that guide cells in embryogenesis are well known.

The coordinate system, if confirmed, may shed light on processes like wound healing and lend some hope to the prospect of regenerating human tissues from mature cells, as happens in animals like newts and salamanders, rather than from stem cells, the goal of cell therapy.

Commentary: Maybe this will provide researchers with new insights into human regenerative medicine.

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