Primitive Stem Cells Discovered in Adult Tissue

Scientists have discovered very primitive stem cells in adult tissues that have properties similar to embryonic stem cells and are able to differentiate into most tissues and organs of the body, including spermatogonia.

These early embryonic stem cells appear to be retained in adult tissues as blastomere-like stem cells (BLSCs), according to scientists at Moraga Biotechnology Corp. (Los Angeles, CA, USA), who made the discovery. The new stem cells normally reside in large numbers throughout the body. The company has developed a simple and cost-effective method, using serum-free defined cell culture reagents, for isolating and purifying millions of these stem cells from adult tissue without the need to expand them outside the body.

Moraga scientists reported that they are able to clone these cells into various cell lines from a single cell. They are developing special cell lines and proprietary cell culture media for use by researchers in the life sciences. The company believes these adult-derived stem cells may be an invaluable research tool for discovering new molecular pathways and drugs for treating and possibly curing many forms of cancer in the very near future.

"This recent discovery is a major breakthrough for the company,” said Dr. John Wong, CEO of Moraga. "It makes possible new therapeutic approaches using adult stem cells in the field of regenerative medicine.”

Dr. Wong also observed that the company would quickly enter clinical testing, where damaged tissues--heart, brain, skin, or cartilage--could be repaired with the patient's own unmodified stem cells. The company also plans to use its stem cell technology to treat patients suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, using their own stem cells.


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Moraga Biotech