Scientists create almighty stem cells from pigs

Scientists have been able to stimulate cells from pigs to transform into almighty stem cells - cells, like embryonic stem cells, capable of developing into any type of cell in the body. This is the first time in the world this has been done using somatic cells (body cells, non-sperm cells or eggs) from any ungulate animal.

The meaning of this achievement is profound: research can open new directions in the formation of models for treating human genetics, organ transplantation in humans, and the formation of possible pig breeds. against many diseases, such as swine flu. The study is published in the June 3 issue of the Journal of Molecular Cell Biology.

Dr Lei Xiao, who led the study, said: 'To this day, a lot of effort has been focused on the formation of ungulate alveolar stem cells, but not yet successful. Which is recorded. This is the first report in the world about the formation of almighty stem cells from ungulates. This achievement is very important and has many applications for human and animal health. '

Dr. Xiao, head of the stem cell laboratory at Shanghai Cell Biology and Biochemistry Institute (Shanghai, China), and his colleagues succeeded in creating almighty stem cells by Use transcription factors to 'reprogram' pig's ear and bone cells. After reprogramming factors are introduced into cells through a virus, cells change and grow in the laboratory into a set of embryonic-like stem cells. Subsequent tests confirmed that these cells were stem cells capable of converting into other cell types, forming three layers in an embryo - endoderm, mesoderm and epidermis - the ability that all Both embryonic stem cells are available. Information obtained from the formation of almighty stem cells (iPS cells) means that it will be much easier for researchers to continue to develop embryonic stem cells (ES cells). from pig embryos or other ungulates.

"The pluripotent stem cells in pigs can be very useful, for example, to create genetically modified animals for organ transplant therapies," said Xiao . Pigs are animals with very similar characteristics to humans, and the size of their organs is similar to humans. We can use embryonic stem cells to alter immune-related genes in pigs to make these organs compatible with the immune system in humans. Since then, we can use pigs to supply organs to patients without creating patients' immune response.

'Almighty stem cells can be used to create models for treating genetic diseases in humans. Many human diseases, such as diabetes, are caused by genetic disorder. We can change genes in pig stem cells and form pigs with similar genetic disorders, and therefore have symptoms similar to those in humans. On that basis we can use this model to develop therapeutic methods'.

Researchers have been able to stimulate cells from pigs to transform into almighty stem cells - a progress that could open new directions in the formation of models for treating human genetic diseases and muscle transplants. human organs, and forming pigs that are resistant to a variety of diseases, such as swine flu.(Photo: iStockphoto / Eric Isselée)

'In order to fight swine flu, we can replace the genetic changes in pigs to improve the animal's resistance to swine flu. First, it is necessary to find a gene that works against swine flu, or is able to control the rapid rise of swine flu virus. Then we put this gene into pigs through almighty stem cells. In addition, because swine flu viruses need to be combined with an receptor on the cell membrane to enter the cell and increase the number; We can eliminate this receptor using almighty stem cells. Without this organ, the virus cannot infect pigs'.

In addition to medical applications for both humans and pigs, Dr. Xiao said the findings could be used to improve pig production, not only by making pigs healthier , but also transforming These genes are involved in their growth to change and improve the growth of pigs.

However, Dr. Xiao also said that a few more years of research are needed before the medical applications of this study can be used in clinics.

The next step of the study was to use pig iPS cells to produce genetically modified pigs that could provide organs for patients, improve pig breeds or use them to fight disease. Genetically modified animals can be added to genetic materials (such as a piece of human DNA) through the use of iPS and ES cells, or using technology to prevent the activity of a certain gene in their body.

Speaking about the study, the editor-in-chief of the magazine, Dangsheng Li, said: 'This research is important because it provides the first evidence of full stem cell formation. in ungulates, opening up opportunities to form genetically modified animals for research, treatment, or agricultural purposes'.

Refer:
Wu et al.Generation of induced pluripotent stem cells with a drug-inducible system.Journal of Molecular Cell Biology, DOI: 10.1093 / jmcb / jmp003