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24/10/2003
Stem cell technology unearths cancer clue: charity
Scientists from Cancer Research UK say they are closer to understanding how cancer cells spread around the body, following the publication of a new study using "cutting edge" stem cell technology.
Researchers have discovered key similarities in the way cancer cells spread out from a tumour and the movement of stem cells as they form new tissues – a process crucial to an embryo's development.
Their study, published in November's Journal of Cell Science, has found that a molecule called 5T4 plays an important role in the ability of stem cells to move around. Researchers know that 5T4 is present in many different types of tumour and hope treatments targeted against it could help to combat cancer's spread.
As cancer develops, cells often journey out from a tumour and spread round the body via the bloodstream or lymphatic system. This ability to move around is shared by stem cells early in an embryo's development, as they move into position, divide and specialise into different cell types and tissues.
While embryonic cells begin life with the potential to become any type of tissue in the body, as the embryo develops, distinct stem cells arise with the ability to produce particular tissues. All kinds of stem cell need to be mobile – an attribute they lose as they turn into specialised cell types.
Cancer Research UK's Professor Peter Stern, lead researcher on the study, said: "Research on human embryonic stem cells remains highly controversial, but our study of their mouse equivalents suggests they could prove extremely useful as a model system for better understanding how cancer cells grow and spread."
(gmcg)
Researchers have discovered key similarities in the way cancer cells spread out from a tumour and the movement of stem cells as they form new tissues – a process crucial to an embryo's development.
Their study, published in November's Journal of Cell Science, has found that a molecule called 5T4 plays an important role in the ability of stem cells to move around. Researchers know that 5T4 is present in many different types of tumour and hope treatments targeted against it could help to combat cancer's spread.
As cancer develops, cells often journey out from a tumour and spread round the body via the bloodstream or lymphatic system. This ability to move around is shared by stem cells early in an embryo's development, as they move into position, divide and specialise into different cell types and tissues.
While embryonic cells begin life with the potential to become any type of tissue in the body, as the embryo develops, distinct stem cells arise with the ability to produce particular tissues. All kinds of stem cell need to be mobile – an attribute they lose as they turn into specialised cell types.
Cancer Research UK's Professor Peter Stern, lead researcher on the study, said: "Research on human embryonic stem cells remains highly controversial, but our study of their mouse equivalents suggests they could prove extremely useful as a model system for better understanding how cancer cells grow and spread."
(gmcg)
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02 December 2005
Government pledges cash for stem cell research
The government has announced that an extra £50 million will be made available for UK stem cell research over the next two years. The announcement followed the publication of the UK Stem Cell Initiative report, which has recommended that that the government should invest at least £350 million in the research over the next decade.
Government pledges cash for stem cell research
The government has announced that an extra £50 million will be made available for UK stem cell research over the next two years. The announcement followed the publication of the UK Stem Cell Initiative report, which has recommended that that the government should invest at least £350 million in the research over the next decade.
19 May 2008
MP's To Vote On Human-Animal Embryo Research
The Commons is to vote on controversial plans for research to be carried out using human-animal embryos today which could mark a turning point in medicine. Prime Minister Gordon Brown is backing the measures saying it could save "millions of lives".
MP's To Vote On Human-Animal Embryo Research
The Commons is to vote on controversial plans for research to be carried out using human-animal embryos today which could mark a turning point in medicine. Prime Minister Gordon Brown is backing the measures saying it could save "millions of lives".
19 May 2004
World's first stem cell bank opens in London
A world's first bank for embryonic stem cells – research into which could lead to improved treatment for currently incurable diseases – has been opened by Health Minister Lord Warner in London today.
World's first stem cell bank opens in London
A world's first bank for embryonic stem cells – research into which could lead to improved treatment for currently incurable diseases – has been opened by Health Minister Lord Warner in London today.
13 August 2003
First UK human stem cell line generated
Researchers at King's College London have made a major breakthrough in the generation of new human embryonic stem (hES) cells. The potential therapeutic value of hES in the treatment of many chronic debilitating diseases has been widely discussed, but these cells are rare and traditionally difficult to grow.
First UK human stem cell line generated
Researchers at King's College London have made a major breakthrough in the generation of new human embryonic stem (hES) cells. The potential therapeutic value of hES in the treatment of many chronic debilitating diseases has been widely discussed, but these cells are rare and traditionally difficult to grow.
19 October 2011
Ruling Could Stop Euro Stem Cell Research – Scientists
Stem-cell scientists in Europe are reeling from a ruling on Wednesday banning patents on stem cells obtained through the destruction of human embryos. The decision by the European Court of Justice means that no European patents will be given for research based on stem cells extracted from anything capable of developing into a human being.
Ruling Could Stop Euro Stem Cell Research – Scientists
Stem-cell scientists in Europe are reeling from a ruling on Wednesday banning patents on stem cells obtained through the destruction of human embryos. The decision by the European Court of Justice means that no European patents will be given for research based on stem cells extracted from anything capable of developing into a human being.
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