Source: Scientific American
Posted: June 12, 2006
Summary:
Biologists at Princeton University have used a bent sequence of RNA--so-called short hairpin RNA (shRNA)--to sequentially turn on and off various genes within embryonic stem cells from a mouse. The shRNA, delivered by a virus, allowed the researchers to determine whether a given gene helped control stem cell differentiation. The research offers hope of one day being able to control the renewal and development of stem cells into specific specialized cells.
Commentary: Hopefully ths study will provide researchers and scientists with a model to eventually develop patient-tailored treatments from stem cells that will be able to treat diseases and injuries without posing a risk of patient immune system rejection.
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