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[Becca82]

Stem cell hope for paralysed

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Paralysed people could gain the use of their limbs again after scientists found a 'messaging system' that could be used to control adult stem cells.

Researchers found the cells respond to chemical signals which instruct them to help repair tissue.

The work, funded by the Medical Research Council, could eventually lead to the development of techniques to tell adult stem cells to mend the body.


Scientists at the University of Manchester made the discovery while studying mesenchymal stem cells found in human bone marrow.

These have the ability to relocate and develop into several types of cells and tissue.

Receptors on the surface of MSCs receive messages in the form of molecules called growth factors that are involved in directing human growth and development.

A complex system relays and co-ordnates the signals from growth factors to the MSCs, encouraging their development into new blood vessels.

Prof Cay Kielty, of the University of Manchester, said: 'What we have shown is that adult stem cells respond in particular ways to some of the chemical signals in the body.'

The scientists are now keen to learn how adult stem cells can be controlled, based on signalling systems that normally give instructions in the body.

Prof Kielty said: 'The next stage will be to understand how this messaging system regulates relocation of the MSCs and tells them to become blood vessel cells.

'After that, we can look at applying our understanding to develop stem-cell derived therapies for tissue repair.'

The findings were revealed in Edinburgh Thursday.




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