Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Forsyth Scientists Trigger Cancer-Like Response from Embryonic Stem Cells

Source: The Forsyth Institute
Date: October 13, 2008

Summary:

Scientists from The Forsyth Institute, working with collaborators at Tufts and Tuebingen Universities, have discovered a new control over embryonic stem cells’ behavior. The researchers disrupted a natural bioelectrical mechanism within frog embryonic stem cells and trigged a cancer-like response, including increased cell growth, change in cell shape, and invasion of the major body organs. This research shows that electrical signals are a powerful control mechanism that can be used to modulate cell behavior.