Researchers Identify Unique Adult Stem Cells

Researchers Identify Unique Adult Stem Cells

March 2005
Volume IV, Number 9

Physicians at Caritas St. Elizabeth's Medical Center of Boston have identified adult stem cells that may have the capacity to repair and regenerate all tissue types in the body. This discovery was the result of a preclinical study led by Dr. Young-sup Yoon and Dr. Douglas Losordo, M.D., chief of cardiovascular research at Caritas St. Elizabeth's. The findings were published in the February 1, 2005, issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

"This discovery represents a major breakthrough in stem cell therapy," said Dr. Losordo. "Previously identified adult stem cells can only generate into certain types of body tissue. Based on our findings, we believe these newly discovered stem cells may have the capacity to generate into most tissue types in the human body. This is a very unique property that until this time has only been found in embryonic stem cells."

During the study, Dr. Losordo and his team extracted stem cells from human bone marrow and transplanted them into the damaged hearts of rats. The stem cells induced cardiac regeneration, including the growth of new muscle and blood vessels in the heart. In addition, the researchers demonstrated that this specific subpopulation of stem cells has the capacity to develop into all types of cells, including those that make up the glands, digestive tract, hair, skin, nails, brain, nervous system, and muscle.

"I am extremely proud of what Dr. Yoon's research team has accomplished," said Dr. Losordo. "In the future, we may be able to extract stem cells from a patient's bone marrow to repair a wide variety of damaged tissue in his or her body. Furthermore, by growing tissue from a patient's own stem cells, we could overcome issues related to cell therapy, such as tissue rejection."

This is the first study to show how human bone marrow stem cells can be used in the generation of various tissue types. Dr. Losordo and his team are planning to conduct further preclinical research with this subpopulation of stem cells. If the findings confirm their original hypothesis, they will seek to begin Phase I clinical trials with human patients.