Science
Marrow stem cell gene is identified Boston | April 15, 2008 12:01:13 AM IST
U.S. scientists say they have identified a gene responsible for the division and movement of marrow-derived, blood-forming stem cells. The researchers at the Joslin Diabetes Center said their discovery could have major implications for the future of bone marrow and blood cell transplantation. Every year, some 45,000 people undergo bone marrow or peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation for treatment of a variety of diseases, including leukemia, lymphoma and immunodeficiency. The Joslin scientists say blood cell transplantation might also one day help people with diabetes better tolerate islet cell transplants without the need for prolonged use of powerful immunosuppressive drugs. In studying mice that lack the transcription factor early growth response gene, or EGR-1, a Joslin team led by Amy Wagers, found hematopoietic stem cells in the marrow of the mice divided about twice as often as stem cells in mice with the gene. Mice lacking EGR-1 also had higher numbers of such stem cells circulating in their blood. The study is the first to identify EGR-1 as a regulator of hematopoietic stem cell migration and proliferation. The research is reported in the journal Cell Stem Cell. (UPI)
Viewer's Comment |
Comments Not Available |
|
| |
City of Nawab organises Run to highlight Asian TT tourney Intermittent rains lash south TN, three dies Explore possibility of mini hydel, solar project, Farooq to J&K CPM leader killed, Buddhadeb still camping in Midnapore Freedom fighter father awaits \'revolutionary\' son\'s return BSF hands over list of 97 hideouts to BDR Chris Brown slams Rihanna for disclosing row details World Economic Forum Celebrates 25 Years in India
|