NEW METHOD GENERATES ON STEM CELLS

New method generates stem cells safely from mice :

• Japanese researchers invented a new safe way of making powerful stem cells out of ordinary cells. Shinya Yamanaka of Kyoto University in Japan and colleagues invented a way to transform ordinary cells into embryonic like stem cells called iPS cells, using a ring of genetic material called aplasmid.
  


• Working with some mice, they have generated pluripotent stem cells, the method can work in people,as well. Stem cells are the body's master cells, giving rise to all the tissues.
  Embryonic stem cells are the most powerful stem cells, as they have the potential to give rise to any type of tissue.
  


• In the past year, several teams of scientists have reported finding a handful of genes that can transform ordinary skin cells into iPS cells, which look and act like embryonic stem cells.
  


• To get these genes into the cells, they have had to use retroviruses, which integrate their own genetic material into the cells they infect. This can be dangerous and can cause tumors and perhaps other effects.
  
  Yamanaka's team tried several different methods but eventually looped 3 of the genes needed into one plasmid and the fourth into another, and transplanted these into cells from a mouse embryo. The mouse embryonic cells reverted to a stem-like state and began behaving like embryonic stem cells. Yamanaka's team said the method was also not as efficient as using retroviruses but said they plan to try their method using human cells.