Data from Leiden University provide new insights into stem cell research
March 16th, 2009
2009 MAR 16 -- Fresh data on stem cell research are presented in the report 'Human stem cells as a model for cardiac differentiation and disease.' "Studies on identification, derivation and characterization of human stem cells in the last decade have led to high expectations in the field of regenerative medicine. Although it is clear that for successful stem cell-based therapy several obstacles have to be overcome, other opportunities lay ahead for the use of human stem cells," scientists in Netherlands report.
"A more immediate application would be the development of human models for cell-type specific differentiation and disease in vitro. Cardiomyocytes can be generated from stem cells, which have been shown to follow similar molecular events of cardiac development in vivo. Furthermore, several monogenic cardiovascular diseases have been described, for which in vitro models in stem cells could be generated," wrote A. Beqqali and colleagues, Leiden University.
The researchers concluded: "Here, we will discuss the potential of human embryonic stem cells, cardiac stem cells and the recently described induced pluripotent stem cells as models for cardiac differentiation and disease."
Beqqali and colleagues published their study in Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (Human stem cells as a model for cardiac differentiation and disease. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 2009;66(5):800-13).
For additional information, contact A. Beqqali, Leiden University Medical Center, Dept. of Anatomy and Embryology, Einthovenweg 20, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, Netherlands.
The publisher's contact information for the journal Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences is: Springer, 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013, USA.
