University of Pennsylvania Researchers: Adult Stem Cells Are Touchy-Feely, Need Environmental Clues for Change
August 24, 2006
PHILADELPHIA -- A certain type of adult stem cell can turn into bone, muscle, neurons or other types of tissue depending on the feel of their physical environment, according to researchers at the University of Pennsylvania. The researchers discovered that mesenchymal stem cells, which regularly reside in the bone marrow as part of the bodys natural regenerative mechanism, depend on physical clues from their local environment in order to transform into different types of tissue. The researchers were even able to manipulate stem cells by changing the firmness of the gel on which they were grown.
The findings, which appear in the Aug. 25 issue of the journal Cell, have implications for the use of adult stem cells in medical treatments. It may even be possible to prepare stem cells for transplant in the laboratory by growing them in the right physical setting beforehand.
"Basically, mesenchymal stem cells feel where they're at and become what they feel, said Dennis Discher, a professor in Penn's School of Engineering and Applied Science and a member of Penns Institute or Medicine and Engineering. The results begin to establish a physical basis for both stem cell use against diseases and for stem cell behavior in embryonic development.
