Cells could be exploited to treat osteoarthritis and osteoporosis
A stem cell capable of regenerating both bone and cartilage has been identified in bone marrow of mice. The discovery by researchers at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) is reported today in the online issue of the journal Cell.
The cells, called osteochondroreticular (OCR) stem cells, were discovered by tracking a protein expressed by the cells. Using this marker, the researchers found that OCR cells self-renew and generate key bone and cartilage cells, including osteoblasts and chondrocytes. Researchers also showed that OCR stem cells, when transplanted to a fracture site, contribute to bone repair.
“We are now trying to figure out whether we can persuade these cells to specifically regenerate after injury. If you make a fracture in the mouse, these cells will come alive again, generate both bone and cartilage in the mouse—and repair the fracture. The question is, could this happen in humans,” says Siddhartha Mukherjee, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine at CUMC and a senior author of the study.
The researchers believe that OCR stem cells will be found in human bone tissue, as mice and humans have similar bone biology. Further study could provide greater understanding of how to prevent and treat osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, or bone fractures.
“Our findings raise the possibility that drugs or other therapies can be developed to stimulate the production of OCR stem cells and improve the body’s ability to repair bone injury—a process that declines significantly in old age,” says Timothy C. Wang, MD, the Dorothy L. and Daniel H. Silberberg Professor of Medicine at CUMC, who initiated this research. Previously, Dr. Wang found an analogous stem cell in the intestinal tract and observed that it was also abundant in the bone.
Read more: Bone stem cells shown to regenerate bone and cartilage in adult mice
The Latest on: Bone stem cells
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Bone stem cells” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Bone stem cells
- Black 12-Year-Old Patient Begins New Sickle Cell Therapy Treatmenton May 7, 2024 at 8:39 am
A 12-year-old Black patient is the first to undergo a new gene therapy treatment for sickle cell disease, according to reports.
- World's first patient begins sickle cell gene therapy treatment: What is it?on May 7, 2024 at 4:12 am
Doctors in the US spent hours removing stem cells from the bone marrow of 12-year-old Kendric Cromer. These cells will be sent to a lab in New Jersey where researchers will infuse a healthy ...
- A 12-Year-Old Is First to Start New Sickle Cell Treatmenton May 6, 2024 at 1:25 pm
He's the first patient outside of a clinical trial to start a new genetic treatment that was shown in clinical trials to cure 88% of people of the hallmark symptoms of sickle cell disease.
- First Patient Begins Newly Approved Sickle Cell Gene Therapyon May 6, 2024 at 4:01 am
A 12-year-old boy in the Washington, D.C., area faces months of procedures to remedy his disease. “I want to be cured,” he said.
- Pennsylvania mom seeks ‘perfect match’ bone marrow donor to cure daughter’s rare disorder: ‘Crucial need’on May 6, 2024 at 2:00 am
A 10-year-old girl in Pennsylvania is in dire need of a bone marrow transplant — and her mother is on a mission to find the perfect match. Doctors discussed the urgent case.
- The will to live: 65 year woman patient undergoes bone marrow transplanton May 3, 2024 at 12:33 am
What is the upper age limit for a bone marrow transplant in a blood cancer patient? Is it below 60 years or up to 70 years?
- Aplastic anaemia causes your blood cell production to go downon May 1, 2024 at 8:00 pm
In this blood disease, the bone marrow can’t make enough blood cells and platelets for the body to function normally.
- The Secret of Long-Lived Stem Cells' Ability To Avert Aging Revealedon April 30, 2024 at 5:00 pm
HSCs typically remain dormant within the bone marrow, yet they possess the ability to activate ... and genetically eliminating cyclophilin A accelerated natural aging in the stem cell compartment. In ...
- New regimen boosts bone marrow transplant as ‘curative’ SCD optionon April 30, 2024 at 7:30 am
A Phase 2 bone marrow transplant trial in SCD patients using haploidentical donors and lower intensity conditioning had high survival rates.
- Stem Cells Newson April 29, 2024 at 5:00 pm
When the team transplanted bone marrow stem cells from mice carrying a hereditary version of Alzheimer's ... New Tool Provides Researchers With Improved Understanding of Stem Cell Aging in the ...
via Bing News