Stem cells can contribute to new treatments for heart attacks and Parkinson's
On the forearms of those working in the laboratory at the University of Oslo, one thing stands out: mysterious round or cross-shaped scars on the skin. Here, researchers need skin cells, and they themselves step up in the service of research. The skin cells are allowed to grow and multiply, and then the work begins to reprogram them into so-called iPS cells, induced pluripotent stem cells. These…
A laboratory at the University of Oslo is focused on utilizing skin cells to develop innovative treatments for various diseases. The researchers grow and multiply skin cells, then reprogram them into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) that can become any specialized cell type in the body. These cells hold promise for treating a wide range of conditions, including heart attacks, Parkinson's disease, and serious skin diseases.
The Norwegian Core Facility for Human Pluripotent Stem Cells, led by professor Joel Glover, is working on a collaboration with the Norwegian Bone Marrow Donor Registry to create a biobank of iPS cells. This biobank, called NIBCA, aims to provide cells that can be renewed indefinitely, potentially lasting forever. One of the first diseases targeted for treatment with NIBCA's iPS cells is macular degeneration, a common eye disease that causes vision loss.
The facility is collaborating with ophthalmologists to test the effectiveness of transplants in pigs, with plans to begin patient trials once the iPS cells are ready. Another focus area is generating skin cells for patients with the genetic skin disease epidermolysis bullosa, with iPS cells being used to correct the genetic defect and produce healthy skin cells.
The facility is also part of an international effort to develop heart muscle cells in large quantities using bioreactors, which could be used to patch damaged heart tissue after a heart attack.
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