St. Louis Public Radio News
(2008-07-03)
ST. LOUIS
(St. Louis Public Radio) -
Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have shown they can put embryonic stem cells from a mouse to work building its heart.Researchers say the published findings could lead to new treatments for heart disease that use human stem cells.
The scientists have shown a gene called MesP1 starts the development of the cardiovascular system.
Wash-U pathology professor Kenneth Murphy said that's not the only gene needed to get stem cells to repair damaged hearts, but it's a key piece of the puzzle.
"I'd say it's a long way from a therapeutic application," Murphy said. "But I think of it as building a structure, every part is important. And it's really hard to make progress without lots of contributions."
Dr. Murphy and his team are now testing if stem cells exposed to MesP1 can help fix damaged mouse hearts.
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