Researchers at Duke University and Artecel Sciences last year managed to turn fat cells into cartilage. This year they took that research a step further by successfully implanting such cells into mice and where the cells continued to grow and produce tissue consistent with cartilage.
Cartilage tissue has a very limited capability to repair itself because it has so few blood vessels and other feature. In research published in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, the scientist described how they took fat cells left over from a liposuction procedure.
The fat cells were filter to isolate a group that contained lots of stem cells that were then cultured in a manner resembling the physical and chemical signals that promote cartilage growth in mice.
The cells were then implanted under the skin of mice where they produced collagen and other materials consistent with cartilage.
Yet more evidence that adult stem cells can be differentiated into other cells and tissues and may one day provide replacements and treatments for human beings.
Source:
Cartilage Made From Stem Cells Tested in Animals. The Whitaker Foundation, Press Release, April 11, 2002.