UAB researchers focus on adult stem cells -UAB researchers focus on adult stem cells

Jeremy · 08-11-2001, 02:13 PM

UAB researchers focus on adult stem cells
One project uses a person's own cells to treat head, spine injuries

08/11/01

ANNA VELASCO
News staff writer

UAB scientists are using adult stem cells in research, hoping they hold as much promise as the embryonic master cells.

The use of stem cells from discarded embryos has been the subject of national debate leading up to President George Bush's decision Thursday to allow federal funding of limited embryonic stem cell research.

Officials at the University of Alabama at Birmingham do not know of any of the school's scientists who are using human embryonic stem cells, although some are using cells from mice embryos.

Dr. Chris Klug, a UAB stem cell biologist, is trying to grow adult, blood-forming stem cells outside the body, something scientists already can do with embryonic stem cells.

While researchers know how to grow some adult stem cells outside the body, it's the blood stem cells that show promise similar to that of embryonic cells to create new tissue for ailing organs, Klug said.

If adult blood stem cells can be grown in labs, a single bone marrow donor has the potential to help huge numbers of patients.

"The adult stem cell research is brand new," said Klug, who is morally opposed to using embryonic stem cells. "It's too early to know its full potential."

Dr. Jean Peduzzi, a neuroscientist at UAB also doing research using adult stem cells, sees great potential in the work she's doing.

In pre-clinical trials, Dr. Peduzzi is exploring how to use a person's own stem cells to treat neurological problems such as spinal cord and head injuries.

She said using one's own stem cells is better than using embryonic cells because there's no fear of rejection, disease transmission or uncontrolled growth of the embryonic cells.

Dr. Peduzzi is worried that more money for embryonic stem cell research will mean less for adult stem cell studies.

"In terms of the patients sitting out there right now, I just feel adult stem cells would be so much better for them," Dr. Peduzzi said.

Klug said, however, that he believes the intense attention to stem cells' importance will mean more money for all types of the research.

James Kelly · 08-11-2001, 05:01 PM

Jeremy:

Where did you find this article? Also, do you live anywhere near UAB?

James Kelly

Jeremy · 08-11-2001, 06:29 PM

No I don't live there I just found the story during a search here's the link http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnew...1305117510.xml

08-11-2001, 02:13 PM	#1
Jeremy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Canada Posts: 588	UAB researchers focus on adult stem cells -UAB researchers focus on adult stem cells UAB researchers focus on adult stem cells One project uses a person's own cells to treat head, spine injuries 08/11/01 ANNA VELASCO News staff writer UAB scientists are using adult stem cells in research, hoping they hold as much promise as the embryonic master cells. The use of stem cells from discarded embryos has been the subject of national debate leading up to President George Bush's decision Thursday to allow federal funding of limited embryonic stem cell research. Officials at the University of Alabama at Birmingham do not know of any of the school's scientists who are using human embryonic stem cells, although some are using cells from mice embryos. Dr. Chris Klug, a UAB stem cell biologist, is trying to grow adult, blood-forming stem cells outside the body, something scientists already can do with embryonic stem cells. While researchers know how to grow some adult stem cells outside the body, it's the blood stem cells that show promise similar to that of embryonic cells to create new tissue for ailing organs, Klug said. If adult blood stem cells can be grown in labs, a single bone marrow donor has the potential to help huge numbers of patients. "The adult stem cell research is brand new," said Klug, who is morally opposed to using embryonic stem cells. "It's too early to know its full potential." Dr. Jean Peduzzi, a neuroscientist at UAB also doing research using adult stem cells, sees great potential in the work she's doing. In pre-clinical trials, Dr. Peduzzi is exploring how to use a person's own stem cells to treat neurological problems such as spinal cord and head injuries. She said using one's own stem cells is better than using embryonic cells because there's no fear of rejection, disease transmission or uncontrolled growth of the embryonic cells. Dr. Peduzzi is worried that more money for embryonic stem cell research will mean less for adult stem cell studies. "In terms of the patients sitting out there right now, I just feel adult stem cells would be so much better for them," Dr. Peduzzi said. Klug said, however, that he believes the intense attention to stem cells' importance will mean more money for all types of the research.

08-11-2001, 06:29 PM	#3
Jeremy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Canada Posts: 588	James No I don't live there I just found the story during a search here's the link http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnew...1305117510.xml

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08-11-2001, 05:01 PM	#2
James Kelly Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Granbury, Texas, USA Posts: 266	Jeremy: Where did you find this article? Also, do you live anywhere near UAB? James Kelly