Researchers Uncover Cell Fusion Mechanism

Source: American Technion Society
Posted: October 8, 2006

Summary:

In a study that could shed light on disorders that occur in skeletal muscles, bone, the placenta, and other organs where fused cells are common, researchers at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and at the US National Institute of Child Health and Human Development have identified a protein in worms that encourages two or more normal-sized cells to fuse into a single giant cell with multiple nuclei—a normal but little understood phenomenon in biology. The findings could aid researchers looking for ways to fuse therapeutic stem cells or cells carrying replacement genetic parts to cells that are damaged or diseased, according to lead researchers Professor Benjamin Podbilewicz of the Technion and Leonid V. Chernomordik of the NICHD. The study is published in the October 2 issue of the journal Developmental Cell.

Commentary: Maybe this finding can eventually be turned into an effective method to regenerate damaged organs and tissues in humans.