Produce stem cells from human skin

The breakthrough of British experts can help us turn human skin into stem cells. This new technique helps scientists to stop the exploitation of stem cells from the fetus.

Stem cells (also called germ cells), are found only in adult and fetal bodies. They are capable of turning into all types of tissue, thus acting as a "repair kit" in the body, replacing tissues, dead or too old cells. But the method of taking stem cells from the fetus is controversial in the medical community because it can lead to the risk of death in the fetus.

Two years ago, some scientists demonstrated that they could use a gene mixture to repel the aging process of normal skin cells, giving them the ability to turn into many types of cells like the real ones. stem cells. The team used viruses to transport genes into cells. But many experts worry that transporting genes to cells with viruses can cause cancer.

The new technique will make embryonic stem cell removal a thing of the past.Photo: beautycare.com.au.

However, scientists at the Center for Regenerative Pharmaceutical Research in Edinburgh (UK) claim they have just found a new way to eliminate virus involvement. By exposing skin cells to appropriate chemicals and proteins, the team turned them into neurons in the brain, pancreatic insulin-producing cells, heart muscle, bone, cartilage and many types of tissue. other.

This method allows experts to remove foreign genes when completing stem cell creation, thereby preventing the risk of developing dangerous problems. With this breakthrough, scientists can more seriously consider the prospect of using 'reprogrammed' skin cells to become stem cells (also known as iPS cells) in pharmaceuticals. Because stem cells iSP are taken from human skin, they will not be eliminated by the body.

This finding also helps us to take a step forward in making the dream of stem cell disease (cancer, memory impairment) a dream come true. Using human skin instead of a fetus also eliminates the moral issues surrounding regenerating pharmaceuticals, meaning that we still produce stem cells without destroying the fetus.

Dr. Keisuke Kaji, a member of the research team, said: 'I am excited to see many stem cells made from human skin. Before that, no one thought that could happen. The new method will create a revolution in the field of producing recycled pharmaceuticals. It also helps scientists to better understand diseases and test new drugs. '