Source: The Globe and Mail
Posted: June 19, 2007 at 10:15 PM EDT
Summary:
The Globe and Mail reports Canadian researchers have identified genes that enable embryonic stem cells to become any of the human tissue types:
"Canadian researchers say they have identified the genes that give embryonic stem cells their superhero-like abilities. Working with mice, the University of Ottawa's Michael Rudnicki and his colleagues have figured out what makes stem cells so special – at a molecular level. They say they have identified the network of genes at work during the unique period when stem cells are building a body."
The story also describes the potential insights the research could provide scientists in order to better understand the function of stem cells:
"The Canadian work, published Tuesday in the online journal Public Library of Science, adds detail to the understanding of the mysterious circuitry of stem cells. It may help scientists turn normal adult cells into embryonic stem cells by turning on specific genes."
