Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Date: September 5, 2007
Summary:
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports University of Pittsburgh researchers have found new adult muscle stem cells which may lead to new treatments for muscle diseases and injuries:
"Children's Hospital and University of Pittsburgh researchers have identified a group of stem cells derived from adult human muscle that they believe may eventually lead to treatments for such problems as heart attacks and muscular dystrophy."
Dr. Johnny Huard, a professor and vice chairman of research in orthopedic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine lead author of the study, notes dprogress toward a treatment in humans:
"Though much work remains to be done before a treatment could be developed, the findings bring researchers 'much closer to a clinical application of this therapy,"
The story also mentions potential applications of muscle stem cells to treat patients:
"Eventually, researchers hope that muscle biopsies could be obtained from patients with muscle injuries or disease. The myoendothelial cells could be removed and treated in the lab. The stem cells could then be reinjected into the patient to repair the muscle damage."
