UK scientists create lung cells from stem cells
UK scientists have succeeded in converting human embryonic stem cells into lung cells - a step that could lead to the growing of human lungs for transplantation. The team from Imperial College London took human embryonic stem cells and grew them in Petri dishes using a system that encouraged them to change into the cells needed for gas exchange in the lung (mature, small airway epithelium). These cells line the part of the lung where oxygen is absorbed and carbon dioxide excreted. 'This is a very exciting development, and could be a huge step towards being able to build human lungs for transplantation or to repair lungs severely damaged by incurable diseases such as cancer,' said project leader Dame Professor Julia Polak. Having been so successful using human embryonic stem cells, the team will now test the system using stem cells from other sources, including umbilical cord and bone marrow. The results of this research could be used to treat problems such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a condition that causes the lining of cells to fall off, and which currently kills many intensive care patients. In theory, by injecting stem cells that will become lung cells, doctors will be able to repopulate the lung lining. The team plans to commercialise its findings through the Imperial College spin off company NovaThera.
Countries
United Kingdom