Emily Yin P1
Date of Publication: January 7th, 2014
Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140107102646.htm
Summary: The Danish Stem Cell Center at the University of Copenhagen has proposed a method by which embryonic cells and embryonic stem cells become specialized cells. Constantly-moving, developing embryonic cells construct a physical environment reminiscent of a city with pathways and roads that support specialization, based on signals from other cells; these roads lead them towards preliminary stages of pancreas and liver cells. Additionally, roads from the developing stem cells can be isolated and freezed, then used in a different environment. This demonstrates that the road can be utilized to improve the cells' differentiation towards mature cells--even without the presence of a crucial cell signal. The research carries important implications in stem-cell therapies: firstly, the physical environment greatly impacts cell development. With the new information gained, scientists can create a more ideal physical environment for stem cells that are in early stages of cell differentiation. Secondly, researchers may wish to modify their latest approaches to human embryonic stem cell specialization, as the important so-called "roads" are not factored into current research.
Relevance: This article expands on the brief textbook introduction of stem cells. Our curriculum states that stem cells are groups of undifferentiated cells with the potential to differentiate into different types of cells. Embryonic stem cells, specifically, are also mentioned. Many stem cell therapies focus on this ability to differentiate, on account of its potential in curing certain illnesses. The textbook also touches upon the idea that it takes right conditions for stem cells to develop into specialized cells. Creating the right laboratory conditions links the curriculum we have studied and the article, as the concept of "pathways" or "roads" that stem cells form can help researchers create more optimal physical environments for developing stem cells. This, in turn, improves cell differentiation and the possibility of successful clinical applications of stem cell therapy. The study also sheds some light on how differentiation occurs by means of these roads, which augments the existing textbook information.
How are researchers planning to include the "roads" into their latest approaches to human embryonic stem cell specialization?
ReplyDeleteThe article does not specify. But, I'm assuming that since the study sheds some light on how cells specialize, researchers can use that knowledge to create a more optimal physical environment for the developing stem cells, which could possibly affect the cells' success in differentiating into the targeted specialized cells.
ReplyDeleteWhat 'environmental' factors and cell signals help specialize the stem cell?(what certain chemicals, etc.)
ReplyDelete