Stem cells have the unique ability to replicate and differentiate into various cell types.
By: Valery Cardozo
April 15, 2024
An innovative method to generate human cartilage in the head and neck region has been led by researchers at the University of Montana in collaboration with other partners.
The study was led by Mark Grimes, a professor of biology in the UM Division of Biological Sciences. In it, stem cells were induced to transform into the specific cell type responsible for cartilage in the craniofacial region.
Grimes explained that they had discovered a novel approach to producing organoids for craniofacial development from neural crest cells, which are the progenitors of craniofacial cartilage.
Organoids are miniature replicas of organs, mimicking both the structure and gene expression of their larger counterparts, offering a valuable tool for studying human tissues in ways previously unattainable.
Great impact in the treatment of craniofacial defects, which affect thousands of children each year
The pressing need for innovative methods of cartilage regeneration is underscored by the 230,000 children born annually in the US with craniofacial defects. Additionally, advances in lab-grown cartilage may hold promise for repairing damage resulting from craniofacial injuries.
The research team delved into gene expression data at both the RNA and protein levels to elucidate the process by which cartilage cells differentiate from stem cells. They discovered that early communication between stem cells triggers the formation of elastic cartilage, like that found in human ears.
Using an extensive analysis of biological markers and machine learning techniques, the researchers deciphered the intricate cell signaling pathways involved in cartilage differentiation.
Grimes emphasized the challenges associated with current plastic surgery techniques in reconstructing natural features such as ears, noses, and larynxes. Transplanted tissue often faces rejection without immunosuppressants.
“Our goal is to develop a protocol to generate craniofacial cartilage from stem cells derived from patients in the laboratory,” said Grimes, highlighting the importance of understanding human-specific differentiation mechanisms.
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