Scientists targeting cancer stem cells for advanced stem cell therapy of cancer patients

A study conducted in the year of 2008 proposed that it is possible that cancer tumors might contain cancer stem cells. Stem cells are in actual those basic structures of cell which have the capability to grow into different types of cell. Similarly the stem cells of cancer are the early cells that grow and then divide to increase the level of illness. The scientists are hoping to improve the stem cell treatments by specifically targeting these cancerous stem cells. Nowadays, there are available large numbers of drugs that can completely destroy a large number of cancer cells.

It is another fact that these cells are so powerful that they still survive in spite of these treatments. They even start growing again that prevents the body from utilizing the health benefits. So, the discovery of cancerous stem cells has generated an interest in developing those drugs especially targeted for these cells. All the scientists are very excited about the idea of such drugs as these are sure to bring many solutions for diseases for which no cure has been found yet. Robert A. Weinberg from MIT and Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research is known to be an expert in this field. Piyush Gupta has already done vast research in the study of current treatments by drug that is affecting cancer stem cells. Weinberg worked in close association with Piyush Gupta as well.

Nowadays, there are many cancer drugs which affect the functioning of their stem cells. Working on this concept Piyush Gupta started working on the project and screened about 16000 different compounds so as to find specific drugs for stem cell therapy which are targeting stem cells. As a result of the research it came to light that an antibacterial can effectively fight against the large number of stem cells of breast cancer. The antiseptic used was Salinomycin. In Oxford Cancer Research Organization, scientists have developed a modern method to obtain the samples of cancer stem cells from the bowel cell lines. In the research, cancer cell lines were used and cancer stem cells were isolated by using biological markers.

Professor Bodmer who led the study believes that working on cell lines make the research more convenient based on analyzing samples from human sample and animals. Verastem is a pharmaceutical firm that is doing research about how antibacterial can be used in first cancer treatment which targets the specific cancerous stem cells. The company is also planning about screening of additional 300,000 compounds so as to discover the extra alternatives which might target these cells. Similarly, there is one other firm that is completely into the stem cell research related to cancer -OncoMed.

It is registered in CA, Redwood City whose researchers are devoted in the research to discover the ways for diminishing the self renewing ability of cancer stem cells. Researchers have the opinion that in future it will definitely result into development of several drugs that are both safe and useful and have a target on cancer stem cells. Now it has become clear that a tumor can have majority of cancerous stem cells.

Everlasting debate over stem cell technology

Stem cells are those undifferentiated cells that differentiate into different types of cells. The stem cells can be obtained from bone marrow, in body parts such as skin or brain and also in the umbilical cord of baby. Nowadays, scientists are engaged in research over embryonic stem cells. According to Wisconsin University Medicine Professor, Dr Timothy Kamp the embryonic stem cell research will further provide more understanding of skin diseases and their treatment methods. Generally, scientists use embryos derived from in-vitro fertilization labs that usually discard them. Under such labs, embryo is generated under lab conditions in a Petri-dish rather than in the woman’s body.

It is a belief of the critics of stem cells technology that scientists derive these cells by some non-preferable means. It implies that they can ask those parents who do not want to have more children to donate unnecessary embryos for the research. In addition, they can also get such cells from aborted fetus by taking a consent signed by the couples who have earlier decided about pregnancy termination. Mathew Sande is the director of Legislation of Pro- life Wisconsin. According to him, this approach leads to destruction of human embryo which is in fact destruction of a life of human being.

The groups of pro-activists believe that this embryonic stem cell transplant is an offensive approach that needs to be stopped as soon as possible. Sande also says that everyone would like to see research doing progress for the treatment of diseases but it must not be through killing one life to save one. The opponents of this approach of stem cell study said that government should stop supporting such methods that are based on killing. The pro life activist group is dedicated to adult stem cell investigation and their transplantation. The reason they prefer use of adult stem cells is because they do not lead to any harm. These can be extracted from bone marrow and many other adult tissues.

Moreover, these are also safe to extract from the umbilical cord or placenta without any killing. It is an ironical fact that adult cells are not that much capable to show potential results as that showed by embryonic cells. Scientists are involved in coming out with new methods of extraction of the cells. They are not disclosing these as it is hard to predict the reaction of the public. It has become a great political debate. It is the opinion of the Dr. Kamp that there should be kept options open so that one can receive the best and safe treatment. However, the debate would be everlasting and it cannot be estimated when it would end actually and with what conclusion.

Scientists are hoping that by continuing the research in the field, they would come up with awesome results. The pro-activists are however worried about the cost for continuing this research. They have the view that cost incurred during this study is much higher than benefits porvdied by same. It seems that the debate will continue. Both the groups need to carefully analyze each other’s views and then find out a new technique that is safe and free of controversy.

A new stem cell research of embryonic tools promises to cure genetic disorders effectively

Stem cell technology has always been an advanced and integral part of medical history. Stem cells are those immature cells that posses the ability to develop into different cells and tissues in the whole body. The cells can be categorized into two types – adult cells and embryonic stem cells. Adult cells grow in the adult tissues developed already. Till date adult stem cells have been found in blood, muscle, skin, bone and brain. Embryonic stem cells are isolated from embryo. The stem cells are considered to be life saving cells specially for patients suffering from leukemia or other blood disorders such as lymphoma and some tumors. Nowadays, medical experts are engaged in finding how stem cells can be used to treat diseases and injuries.

Recently, collaboration between renowned doctor of Detroit and Michigan University has opened new doors to embryonic stem cell lines. These stem cells lines will prove to be a milestone to help researchers in studying the formation and further development of some particular diseases and also finding new treatments for some fatal diseases. Two new stem cells lines created by Michigan university contain genes for inherited diseases. One stem line has the genetic mutation gene which causes hemophilia B, a condition in which blood does not clot. While other carry Charcot-Marie-tooth disorder gene in which muscles in hand, lower leg and foot get degenerated.

The researchers were able to make new stem cell line during embryo donation program facilitated by Dr. Hughes in the year of 2008. Hughes is an expert in genetic diagnosis done before embryo implantation. The test helps couples to have healthy baby in case if the child shows signs of inherited disorder. Under the stem cell therapy infertile couples are required to go through the phenomenon of in vitro fertilization- embryo is generated in petri-dish and then implanted. Before implantation Hughes checks each cell to ensure that they do not possess the risk of genetic mutations.

Earlier embryos having genetically mutated genes were use discarded as couples did not want to use them. Nowadays, Hughes and other doctors are asking couples to donate them. According to him, today, medical science is interested to treat such cells. According to U-M, it is like curing life of diseased infants. Those who are suffering from injuries of spinal cord are very impressed by the progress made by research of Michigan University. Few days earlier, a couple donated an embryo having gens for myotonic dystrophy, a disorder of progressive muscle wasting and have successfully obtained consent from many couples to donate embryo with genetic disorders in future.

The research will prove to be fruitful for the future of Michigan stem cell research. U-M is the first to generate embryonic stem cell lines. It would be a boon for both the patients and doctors fighting to cure such diseases. It is further a hope that this research will surely bring many new facts into light that will possibly provide solution to many other diseases. Thus the best a person can do at the current moment is to encourage couples to use medical techniques and donate genetically mutated embryos to prevent spoiling the future of these children.

Finally some good stem cell news for experts using Induced Pluripotent stem cells

At last, some good news is out for the scientists and doctors engaged in the study of induced pluripotent stem cells. Stem cell news that has been published online in National Academy of Sciences Proceedings says that Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (IPS) that have gone through gene correction do not possess high mutation in cancer causing genes. The team that was involved in this study said that the gene therapy performed with the genetically mutated cells of the patients itself shows positive results.

Induced pluripotent cells are pluripotent cells that are derived from the adult cells artificially. It includes addition of chemicals, proteins or some genes which reprogram them to resemble embryonic cells. IPS cells are fully capable to become like any cell type in the body of human being. As these cells are derived from the body of the patients, hence these cells will provide some advantages over the embryonic stem cells of human body. It is like lesser rate of rejection by the patient’s body and thus avoiding many problems. Secondly, it will also remove the present debate over the use of embryonic stem cells.

The research done by the scientists proves that these induced pluripotent stem cells carry large amount of mutations with anonymous significance. The scientists are thus emphasizing upon studying the risk held by mutations before they are declared safe to test upon human beings. Thus the stem cells therapy proves to be much significant. The induced pluripotent cells are derived from the patient having a genetic defect. So, these cells will automatically be defected. On the other hand if they are grown with the copy of gene that is working, then there is a great possibility that such cells would grow into some healthy tissue. The tissue is then safe for a transplant in the patient.

The scientists of Salk institute Dr. Inder Verma and Dr. Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte – both of them are busy on the approaches of gene therapy to use IPS cells. A study was performed on the induced pluripotent cells extracted from the body of patient suffering from gyrate atrophy of retina and choroid. It is a disease which leads to sight loss gradually and finally causes blindness. The target Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells of retina have been generated from induced pluripotent stem cells in advance. Through various research studies carried out on animals previously have shown that such cells are very safe to use and act as a shield.

The researchers did detailed study before and after the research to find out whether they produce extra mutations or variations in the cells. The research proved that the induced pluripotent stem cells which have been used earlier carry a significant load of mutation. After analyzing these results it is recommended that collection of mutation might not reduce the clinical usage of the gene target approaches. Although, the wide characterization or study of the genes of earlier IPS cells clones would be vital. Many experts have this opinion that there is great need of development in such studies and stem cell treatments much before they continue to be used for trial in medical field.

Menstrual blood storage for the extraction of life saving stem cells

According to a recent study published in Cell transplantation section by Cryo-Cell International, stem cells present in the menstrual blood show more rapid growth. The menstrual blood stem cells have the capability to propagate rapidly into different types of cells. They can be fat, nerve, cartilage, bone and also cardiogenic cells. The cells in menstrual blood are known as MenSCs. The study highlighted the benefits of stem cells which is that they multiply at a fast rate and in a large number and therefore are able to cure the diseases more effectively.

Further, there were also conducted several other studies in wide range of categories. It was found that menstrual blood stem cells can cure a variety of diseases. Stroke, Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis and Parkinson’s are some of the examples under this. It is being predicted that such stem cells can be used as medication for sports treatments and also in anti-aging products. After analyzing the findings obtained as a result of this study, scientists are also anticipating that these cells have a high potential to cure some of the severe diseases one day.

The Vice president of Research & Development Department of Cryo Cell International Inc., researcher Julie Allickson believes that the results obtained after the study are excellent. The collection of such type of stem cells would one day prove to be safe in usage and also in extraction. The stem cells are extracted through menstrual blood storage and therefore these cells are proving to be easily accessible and renewable form of stem cells. Moreover, the study has also not led to any controversy. Further, doctors are also trying the effectiveness and safety of cells in animal models. It is being done to bring new advancement in the therapies of diabetes, cardiovascular regenerative and neurodegenerative therapy.

Dr. Camillio Ricordi Director of Diabetes Research Institute and Cell Transplant Center in Miami University says that the MenSCs have been found to possess several features like the embryonic stem cells. This is the reason that scientists these days are encouraging women to preserve menstrual blood so as to collect the stem cells. During the study, the scientists collected the sample blood in a menstrual cup. The cells were then tested for quality control under laboratory conditions. A culture was grown for the assessment of growth capabilities. These were also analyzed to determine their potential to develop into cell lines so that it can be determined that which cells would be helpful in treatment.

Out of five million cells collected, seventy-five percent were viable and their doubling rate was 24-36 hours. About 50,000 cells were grown in a day and about 48 million cells had been collected in a period of less than one month. The study is among many of the other most promising research works which will help to bring some most awaited results. Thus those women who wish to donate menstrual blood should come forward. Cryo cell is engaged in many more researches in the same field which will show result by next year. The company is looking to expand the research area by actively collaborating with the researchers all around the world who are interested to give their contribution in this novel cause.