News on stem cell reprogramming

"Nature" is reporting on August 19, 2010 about the reprogramming of one stem cell type to another without the need for genetic modification and raises prospects for regenerating organs; the study shows that stem cells from the thymus, a specialized organ of the immune system, can function as hair follicle stem cells and contribute to the long-term maintenance of the skin, a completely different organ; "These cells change because of the environment they come into contact with, the skin" comments Professor Yann Barrandon, Joint Chair of Stem Cell Dynamics EPFL/CHUV-UNIL, who led the study. "In theory this operation could be recreated with other organs as well."...more