Stretching bone marrow stem cells pushes them towards becoming blood vessels

Source: University of California - Berkeley
Posted: October 23, 2006

Summary:

When stretched, a type of adult stem cell taken from bone marrow can be nudged towards becoming the type of tissue found in blood vessels, according to a new study by bioengineers at the University of California, Berkeley. Researchers placed bone marrow stem cells onto a silicone membrane that was stretched longitudinally once every second. It was a cellular workout routine that helped point thestem cell in the direction of becoming the smooth muscle tissue of vascular walls.

Commentary: This discovery could accelerate the development of cells to replace cells that have been damaged or destroyed as a result of heart disease and blood disorders.