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Prepared by the International Society for Stem Cell Research
Adult stem cells are distinct from cells isolated from embryos or fetuses and are found in tissues that have already developed, as in animals or humans after birth. These cells can be isolated from many tissues, including brain. However, the most common place to obtain these cells is from the bone marrow that is located in the center of some bones. The marrow is harvested from human donors at the iliac crest (the back of the upper hip bone).
There are different types of stem cells found in the bone marrow, including hematopoietic stem cells, endothelial stem cells, and mesenchymal stem cells. It has long been known that hematopoietic stem cells form blood, endothelial stem cells form the vascular system (arteries and veins), and mesenchymal stem cells form bone, cartilage, muscle, fat, and fibroblasts.
Example of Research utilizing ASC cells:
Adult Stem Cells Show Promise for Brain Disorders
By Dwayne Hunter
Betterhumans Staff
4/8/2003 11:07 AM
Stem cells from the bone marrow of adult mice can be coaxed into becoming neural cells, a finding that's a step towards new treatments for neurological conditions.
Such treatments would be revolutionary for people who suffer from strokes, Alzheimer's disease and other neurological afflictions.
Their bone marrow cells could be removed, processed outside their body and implanted into part of their brain where dead or damaged cells need replenishing.
Attracting interest
Researchers at Chicago's University of Illinois performed the mouse experiment.
They say that human application is at least a decade away, but their initial success has attracted interest from biotech firms.
According to the Chicago Tribune, NewNeural, a Naperville, Illinois-based startup firm, has aligned its fortunes with the leading researcher of the treatment, Kiminobu Sugaya from the University of Illinois.
Overcoming problems
Adult stem cell therapy is receiving strong financial support because it overcomes immunity problems associated with therapies that use cells from donors.
Also, the use of adult stem cells in place of fetal cells eliminates political concerns about abortion opponents.
The new therapy will be tested on rats and then monkeys before researchers seek approval from the Food and Drug Administration to move into human trials.