Abstract
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Stem Cell Institute (SCI) (MN, USA) have demonstrated the ability of adult bone marrow stem cells to differentiate in vitro into liver cells. ‘What we have seen is that adult stem cells cultured from the bone marrow of humans, mice and rats can be induced to differentiate into cells that look, stain and function like liver cells,’ said Catherine Verfaillie, director of the SCI. ‘Our lab shows, for the first time, clear indication that these stem cells function like liver cells in that they secreted three key elements: albumin, the most abundant protein made by the liver; urea, produced only by liver and kidney epithelium; and cytochrome P450, the major detoxifying enzyme in the liver.’ Long-term applications of the work could include the production of artificial livers, whereas an immediate use might well be to help pharmaceutical researchers and manufacturers screen for toxicity and efficiency of drugs before phase I clinical trials. (http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2002-05/uom-uom051302.php) DM
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
