Source: Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Date: October 6, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have discovered that turning on a single gene can prevent skin stem cells from maturing into the three types of adult skin cells — epidermal, sebaceous and hair cells. They say this finding could have important implications for scientists trying to grow stem cells in the lab, for both research and potential therapies. As researchers seek ways to manipulate stem cells, which have the ability to differentiate into multiple types of tissues, one challenge they face is maintaining the stem cells in their immature state. The newly identified repressor switch could provide part of the answer.
Commentary: Maybe this discovery will enable scientists to turn skin and other adult stem cell types into different human tissues to regenerate or replace tissue that has been damaged or destroyed by diseases and injuries.
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