NEW YORK-Researchers have discovered how to coax stem cells to differentiate into less specialized cells that could better serve as the basis for anti-ageing tissues (hematopoietic). The discovery could guide the quest to find a replacement for senescent cells long thought to be the source of age-related disease which now affects more than 8 out of 10 American adults and is associated with a higher risk for cardiovascular disease and heart disease. The study was conducted by investigators at The Rockefeller University and published in Genes Development on April 8 2020.
Stem cells are in high demand given their ability to donate their precursors-endothelial cells-for regenerative therapeutics laboratory applications and muscle transplantation. While stem cells harboring specific gene profiles have been shown to be sufficient for healthy adult development in disease progression they can transform into cells with abnormal altered or defective genes. In normal a fetal stem cell can divide for up to 24 months. Prior clinical studies have demonstrated that adult stem cells display a greater capacity to differentiate into blood-forming cells (BBCs). Previously however it has been suggested that variations in genetic oncogenesis may be a sign of telomere-related neurodegeneration a disease in which cells lose the ability to divide and remain in differentiated amorphous states.
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