New method of genetic modification of stem cells: 100 times more effective

Scientists at the University of California (Irvine) have developed a new improved method for obtaining genetically modified embryonic stem cells, which will facilitate the study and possibly treatment of various diseases such as Huntington's disease, muscular dystrophy and diabetes.

The technique, which is a combination of two existing methods of working with cells, increases the survival of cells and the efficiency of embedding DNA into their chromosomes compared to existing approaches requiring the use of chemical compounds that inevitably cause the death of some cells.

The authors propose to cultivate embryonic stem cells with previously identified growth factors necessary to maintain cell viability, and then apply the nucleofection procedure to them – the action of electrical impulses to create tiny pores in the cell membrane through which DNA penetrates into cells. Experiments have shown that the new method is at least 100 times more effective than existing approaches to the creation of embryonic stem cells with specified genetic modifications.

The new method can be used to embed a green fluorescent protein gene into cells. This will allow scientists to track the movements of cells implanted in a living organism when testing experimental approaches to cell therapy.

It is also possible to create populations of cells with certain genetic abnormalities underlying the development of certain diseases. This will allow us to study in detail the mechanisms of occurrence and development of various diseases. In addition, it is possible that in the future specialists will learn using a new method to correct disorders in the patient's own stem cells and use them for treatment.

Portal "Eternal youth" www.vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of ScienceDaily

12.03.2008