Placenta could be source of pluripotent stem cells
Primitive cells from the placenta may have the usefulness of embryonic stem cells without the ethical complications, say scientists from the University of Pittsburgh. In an article to be published in the journal Stem Cells they say that amniotic epithelial cells appear to have the genes Oct 4 and nanog, which suggests that they are pluripotent, like embryonic stem cells. Some uncertainty remains because these cells do not form tumours and do not appear to be immortal. However, the authors still say that amnion derived from term placenta following live birth may be a useful and non-controversial source of stem cells for cell transplantation and regenerative medicine.”
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