Source: Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
Date: April 29, 2007
Summary:
New studies by Tulane University researchers are shedding light on the previously mysterious mechanism through which even relatively small amounts of stem/progenitor cells taken from a patient’s own bone marrow enhance repair of damaged tissues. The cells not only differentiate to replace injured cells, as had been understood, but they also stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells already present in the injured tissue. The study's lead author says better understanding of the different mechanisms of these stem/progenitor cells suggests multiple strategies for developing new therapies for a broad range of diseases. It also may help make such treatments more effective and minimize potential dangers.
