Scientists have devised a method to direct and regulate the growth of stem cells into specific tissues and organs, paving the way for potential treatments for diseases like diabetes and Parkinson’s.
Stem cells are considered the future of healthcare and medical research, offering possibilities for healing and innovation beyond traditional methods. They hold promise for revolutionizing disease treatment and prevention in the future.
A collaboration between Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) has produced engineered cells known as ‘synthetic organizers.’ These cells send signals to stem cells, instructing them to mature into specific tissues and organs.
Through previous research, it was discovered that some cells in early development act as organizers for embryos. Building on this knowledge, researchers hypothesized that engineering these organizer cells could enhance in vitro development.
The team manipulated cell adhesion molecules to create organizer cells that enveloped mouse embryonic stem cells in customizable arrangements. These cells were designed to release morphogens, which are crucial for determining cell fate based on concentration gradients.
The engineered organizer cells were capable of guiding embryonic development towards specific outcomes by altering morphogen gradients. They were able to induce the formation of mouse body structures and even generate heart-like tissues with blood vessel networks.
By controlling stem cell differentiation and development, this technology could potentially facilitate organ growth for transplantation, disease modeling, and tissue regeneration in patients.
The study, published in the journal Cell, demonstrates the potential for using synthetic organizers to manipulate stem cells for various applications in regenerative medicine, drug development, and disease treatment.
Source: Cedars-Sinai
