A research group in Korea just published an article in Plos One describing their study of stem cells for potential use in the field of liver regeneration. The research article (PLOS ONE DOI:10.1371/ journal.pone. 0108874 March 27, 2015) focuses on genetic engineering of adipose-derived stem cells (ie., from fat tissue) to turn these cells into viable, functioning liver cells (hepatocytes). This differentiation occurred by engineering the cells to over-express certain genes, specifically the Oct4 and Sox2 genes. This essentially means that they found the particular genes that trigger a stem cell to differentiate into the desired cell type, then engineered them to do just that.
The adipose stem cells have the potential to change into a wide variety of cell lines, but by altering their gene expression, the researchers coaxed these stem cells specifically into hepatocytes. They studied these new cells through multiple scientific methods and concluded that the new cells were mature hepatocytes that seemed to be functional. These cells had the ability to store glycogen and produce urea, both normal functions of natural liver cells. (Glycogen is a polysaccharide of glucose that is a form of energy storage for cells. Urea is a byproduct of the metabolism of amino acids, proteins, and ammonia in the liver.) The team also compared these induced cells to non-differentiated stem cells; the control group did not show either glycogen storing or urea production capabilities.
This study is important because stem cell therapies have been shown to have beneficial effects in the area of liver regeneration, but there have been some mixed results in prior clinical trials. The Korean study paves the way for a more specific induction of stem cells towards the desired end result. The goal is to optimize the use of stem cells in order to some day replace damaged liver tissue or to allow for the secretion of protective cytokines in end-stage liver disease. (Cytokines are basically small proteins that are involved in cell signalling, and they are important components of the immune system and our responses to inflammation and cancer.)
Although this study is just an early stage look at genetic engineering of our stem cells, it once again shows the potential for how stem cells will change the way medical care is delivered in the future. By using this or similar technology, we may one day be able to take stem cells from fat and turn on or off specific genes in order to produce the exact cell types that a given patient needs at any point in time. This is when medicine becomes tailored to our individual bodies and our personal medical issues.
Welcome to another glimpse of the future!
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