Korean researchers have made a breakthrough that will make it easier to use stem cells to treat spinal cord injuries. They have created customised stem cells, which will be ideal for treating severe diseases including spinal cord injuries. The research team from the Bio Science Division at the Ulsan Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) announced the findings on October 27.

They have developed oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) by manipulating a gene in stem cells. An OPC is a type of spinal cord cell that is composed of myelin — the whitish insulating sheath around many nerve fibres including those in the spinal cord. Being able to generate new OPCs means doctors may be able to regenerate damaged nerve fibres after a severe spinal injury.

Researchers used direct reprogramming to create OPCs. They differentiate the OPCs directly from skin cells, never giving the stem cells the opportunity to differentiate into another kind of cell. By maintaining strict control over the differentiation process, these OPCs will never create tumours when transplanted — a common problem with stem cell research.

The researchers undertook 10 months of animal trials to ensure the stem cells maintained genetic stability. Lead researcher Kim Jeong-beom said the project was a long-term effort that has finally come to fruition: “It took four years for us to publish our thesis after proving the characteristics of the cell and its treatment effects.”

Now that scientists have a way to transplant OPCs with no risk of them turning into tumours, they can more easily use stem cells to treat spinal cord injuries and other diseases involving the nervous system.

The researchers suggest that producing the OPCs is very simple and can be done using a “bio 3D printer”. They also suggest that mass production of OPCs is possible with this technology and their proven safety will encourage more experimentation on human subjects.

Source: UNIST Develops Customized Stem Cells to Treat Spinal Cord Injuries

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