A novel method for the mechanical manipulation of stem cells has the potential to pave the way for new stem cell therapies, which have not yet reached their full healing capabilities.
Researchers at McGill University have created a pioneering technique for mechanically adjusting stem cells, potentially leading to innovative treatments that have yet to realize their therapeutic promise.
Stem cell therapy is recognized as a promising approach to address various diseases, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, glaucoma, and Type 1 diabetes. However, the expected progress has been slow, in part due to the complexities involved in guiding the development of specific cell types from stem cells.
“The remarkable attribute of stem cells is their capacity to integrate into the body’s systems, reproduce, and transform into various cell types, such as brain cells, heart cells, and bone cells,” stated Allen Ehrlicher, an associate professor in the Department of Bioengineering at McGill and a Canada Research Chair in Biological Mechanics. “Yet, this adaptability also presents significant challenges in their utilization.”
Recently, McGill researchers found that by manipulating the nuclei of stem cells through stretching, bending, and flattening, they could effectively produce targeted cells, directing them to develop into either bone or fat cells.
This groundbreaking discovery is expected to first facilitate advancements in bone regeneration, particularly in areas such as dental or cranio-facial reconstruction, as well as treatments for bone injuries or osteoporosis. This is according to Ehrlicher, the lead author of the study who guided the research team.
However, he warns that it may take a decade or even two before this newfound insight into stem cell differentiation leads to actual clinical applications. Continuous testing and adjustment of stem cells will be crucial for integrating this discovery into medical use.
The forthcoming phases of this research will focus on decoding the molecular mechanisms that allow different cell types to be stretched into either bone or fat cells, and subsequently applying this knowledge to 3D fiber cultures.
