New stem cell research from the University of Sheffield (UK) could help make regenerative medicine safer by giving new insight into the cause of pluripotent stem cell mutations and possible ways to stop these mutations, as published in the magazine ‘Stem Cell Reports’.
The findings show that pluripotent stem cells, which are used in regenerative medicine to repair damaged or diseased tissues in the body, are particularly susceptible to DNA damage and mutations compared to other cells, and this could cause genetic mutations.
Pluripotent stem cells can grow into any cell type in the body, and there is considerable interest in using them to produce cells to replace diseased or damaged tissue in applications known as regenerative medicine.
A safety concern of this is that these cells often acquire recurring mutations that can lead to safety concerns if used in patients.
The researchers found that these mutations are more likely to occur at a certain point during their cell cycle, and they have suggested ways to grow cells to dramatically reduce susceptibility to DNA damage and potentially to the mutations that arise.
Reduce risk
Peter Andrews, professor of biomedical sciences at the University of Sheffield, explains that “Regenerative medicine clinical trials using cells derived from pluripotent stem cells are starting around the world, but there is concern that mutations in stem cells pluripotent may jeopardize patient safety. Our results can allow us to significantly reduce that risk ”, he assures.
“Understanding the genetic stability of human pluripotent stem cells is an area developed at the University of Sheffield and in which we are international leaders,” says the professor.
The University of Sheffield Department of Biomedical Sciences conducts world-leading research to understand disease, improve treatment, and find possible cures. The researchers work in areas ranging from cell biology and developmental biology to neuroscience and regenerative medicine, with expertise in topics including stem cells and cancer.
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