Research Overview
Stem Cell Therapeutics are Expected to Advance Tissue Engineering and Organ
Transplantation
Regenerative therapies such as stem cell manipulation are developing
treatment procedures for damaged tissues and organ failures. The unique ability
of stem cells to divide indefinitely and differentiate into specific cell types
allows them to form various tissues of the growing embryo during in vivo
regeneration. Researchers are depending upon this discovery to assist in the
replacement of damaged tissues and fabrication of viable organs for
implantation. One approach to engineering new tissues or organs is to induce
stem cells to differentiate into organ-specific cells and then seed them onto a
scaffold to create a three-dimensional structure. Computer-aided design and
manufacturing technology also creates sophisticated tissue constructs using stem
cells, connective tissue, and growth factors. Stem cell therapies are emerging
as popular options for bone and cartilage repair and alternatives to existing
treatment options such as transplantation, surgical repair, artificial
prostheses, and drug therapy. Stem cell therapies, in addition to cost savings,
eliminate the difficulties associated with shortage of donor organs.
This research produced by the Technical Insights business unit of Frost &
Sullivan analyzes the new and emerging technologies that enable stem cell
therapeutics to move from the laboratory into the commercial world. It analyzes
innovative tools and technologies developed by researchers at successful
companies, including small startups. It also analyzes major technology drivers
and challenges. The research service is designed to help participants identify
potential collaborators, stay ahead of the competition, and stay
shoulder-to-shoulder with critical developments.
Growing Debate over Embryonic and Adult Stem Cells
Biological hurdles and potential opportunities prevail in the development of
adult stem cell (ASCs) and embryonic stem cell (ESCs) technologies for tissue
engineering. "While ASCs cannot be obtained in sufficient numbers to
actually regenerate tissues, ESCs, in addition to the ethical and political
controversies, are faced with uncontrolled differentiation and immunological
obstacles that compel patients to take long-term immunosuppressive drugs,"
explains the analyst.
Often referred to as 'therapeutic cloning', ESCs face political, practical,
and ethical hurdles associated with the source of cells, which is primarily
surplus stocks stored in fertilization clinics or germ cells derived from
aborted fetuses. Conversely, ASCs come from peripheral blood or even fat and
avoid opposition on moral or religious grounds. However, individual success
stories have proven that ASCs and ESCs can coexist. For example, while ESCs
repair damaged spinal cords in rats, ASCs improve heart function in patients
with heart failure.
Numerous Opportunities for Stem Cell Therapeutics in Nervous System
Disorders
A major focus of research today is to use stem cells to regenerate tissues
for replacing destroyed or dysfunctional cells in the brain or spinal cord in
neurological diseases. Nervous system diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD),
Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis are ideal targets for stem cell
therapy. "PD caused by degeneration of dopamine (DA)-producing neurons may
be an exceptional target for stem cell therapies," says the analyst.
"Inducing ESCs to differentiate into cells with similar functions as DA
neurons may re-innervate the brain, release dopamine and improve the motor
function."
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