Researchers identify gene activator that allows stem cells to transform any type of cell

Sep 29 2010

Emerging Healthcare Solutions, Inc. was energized Monday by news that researchers in North Carolina may have identified the gene activator that allows stem cells to reproduce and become any type of cell in the body.

“If a method can be developed to regress human cells back into stem cells and then into other types of cells, the potential to produce new liver cells, new pancreas cells, and any number of others might truly revolutionize the practice of medicine.”

The Charlotte Observer reported on Sunday that UNC Chapel Hill professor Yi Zhang had identified a protein known as Tet 1 to be the "on switch" within each stem cell. According to the Observer, Tet 1 activates a gene called Nanog that allows stem cells to reproduce while maintaining their pluripotency. Understanding the interaction between Tet 1 and Nanog could unlock the secrets to transforming one kind of mature cell into another.

"This represents another potential breakthrough in the field of stem cell research," said Cindy Morrissey, President and CEO of Emerging Healthcare Solutions. "If a method can be developed to regress human cells back into stem cells and then into other types of cells, the potential to produce new liver cells, new pancreas cells, and any number of others might truly revolutionize the practice of medicine."

Such a method would not require the use of embryonic stem cells, neatly side-stepping the ethical debate surrounding their use.

The Observer reported that researchers will keep watch over cells reprogrammed with Tet 1 to see if their life span mirrors that of natural stem cells or if they instead become malignant. Emerging Healthcare Solutions keeps a close eye on stem cell research worldwide. In March, the company signed a profit participation deal with Celulas Genetica, a biotech firm dedicated to developing radically new medical solutions using adult stem cell research.