UCLA researchers induce mice cells to mimic embryonic stem cells

Durham, N.C. — Researchers at UCLA have induced skin cells from mice to differentiate into cardiovascular and blood cells, according to a new study published in the journal Stem Cells.

The advance could help researchers find ways to advance stem cell research without having to use embryonic stem cells.

The study will be published May 1 in Stem Cells, which is based in Durham.

"Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are reprogrammed cells obtained by genetic manipulation of normal adult cells that then express capabilities similar to embryonic stem cells," said Miodrag Stojkovic, the co-editor of Stem Cells. "That is, iPS cells are theoretically able to differentiate into 220 different cell types. For the first time, scientists from UCLA were able to induce the differentiation of mouse iPS cells into functional heart cells, smooth muscle cells, and blood cells."

According to Stem Cells, the so-called iPS cells could be the equivalent of embryonic stem cells. However, it noted that more “rigorous scientific studies are needed to confirm their potential to differentiate into specific types of cells.”

Katja Schenke-Layland led the UCLA study.

"The development of functional cells from iPS is a key step forward in the development of patient-specific embryonic stem cells for use in developing new treatments for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and spinal cord injury, among others,” Stojkovic said.