Mature, functioning liver cells made from skin cells

Posted: February 24, 2014 at 1:47 pm

Current ratings for: Mature, functioning liver cells made from skin cells

Public / Patient:

5 1 rating

Health Professionals:

0 0 ratings

There have been several reports in recent years of scientists reprogramming skin cells so they transform into cells that are similar to cells from other organs, such as the heart, the pancreas and even brain cells. However, these have fallen short of producing mature, fully functioning versions of organ cells - essential if they are to be of any use in life-saving regenerative medicine.

Now, a new study reported in Nature shows how it may be possible, with a new method, to transform skin cells into mature, fully functioning liver cells that are practically identical to native cells in liver tissue.

Not only this, but the new cells also flourish on their own, even after being transplanted into the livers of animals with engineered liver failure.

The results raise hopes for millions of people who have or who are at risk of developing liver failure. Currently, their only option is a liver transplant.

The breakthrough is the work of scientists at the Gladstone Institutes and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).

See the original post:
Mature, functioning liver cells made from skin cells

Related Posts

Comments are closed.

Archives