Stem-cell molecule breakthrough
Stem-cell molecule breakthrough
2008-09-03Newsfeed
Stem cell use in drug development has taken a step forward with the research and development of two synthetic molecules that can coax stem cells to differentiate.
Stem cell use in drug development has taken a step forward with the research and development of two synthetic molecules that can coax stem cells to differentiate.
Work by scientists from Durham University and the North East England Stem Cell Institute (NESCI) could also help reduce the number of animals used in research.
The new molecules, EC23 and EC19, are far more stable than the naturally-occurring molecule currently used, known as all-trans-retinoic acid.
Each individual synthetic molecule has been found to be more effective at causing the cells to transform into specific types of tissue.
EC23 was found to be particularly effective at producing neurons (nerve cells) which can be used in laboratory testing for drugs for brain disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease.
EC19 was found to be particularly effective at producing epithelial cells - the cells that line the inner and outer surfaces of the body.
The team consisted of synthetic chemists Dr Andrew Whiting and Professor Todd Marder, and stem cell biologist Dr Stefan Przyborski, and their research groups at Durham University, who are all members of NESCI.
Their results are published in the current issue of the scientific journal Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry.
Copyright © The Press Association 2008
