Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Pittsburgh scientists identify human source of stem cells with potential to repair muscle

Source: Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
Date: September 4, 2007

Summary:

For the first time, scientists at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC have discovered a unique population of adult stem cells derived from human muscle that could be used to treat muscle injuries and diseases such as heart attack and muscular dystrophy. In a study using human muscle tissue, scientists in Children's Stem Cell Research Center isolated and characterized stem cells taken from blood vessels (known as myoendothelial cells) that are easily isolated using cell-sorting techniques, proliferate rapidly and can be differentiated in the laboratory into muscle, bone and cartilage cells.