Source: University of Minnesota
Posted: 02 November 2006 - 0:00am (PST)
Summary:
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have, for the first time, coaxed umbilical cord blood stem cells to differentiate into a type of lung cell, called type II alveolar cells. Alveolar cells secrete surfactant, a substance which allows the air sacs in the lungs to remain open, allowing air to move in and out of the sacs. The cells also help to repair the airway after injury. The researchers will now work to better characterize the cells, so they could be used for future research in order to better understand lung development and disease. The cells may also be useful as a way to test potential new drugs.
Commentary: This is a signficant advance toward the clinical application of umbilical cord stem cells to treat lung diseases and injuries. Hopefully it can also be transformed into successful treatments for lung disease and a safe and effective method to testnew drugs.
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