STEM CELLS FROM BLOOD.
-----------------------

In parallel developments ; to human cloning .

This posting seems to be more appropriate for the physical
immortality group.

1.

Researchers have found a method of obtaining pluripotent stem
cells from human blood. In sufficient quantities for culturing and
subsequent production of specific cell types.
As these cells come from a donor who most likely will also be the
receipient , problems with histocompatibility are highly unlikely.
The stem cells can be preserved for extended periods of time ,
using liquid nitrogen , until required.

2.
Gene therapy can be applied to these stem cells , if necessary ,
and if no problems with histocompatibility occur as a consequence
of this procedure.
The use of a micro injector , rather than a viral vector , for
the introduction of DNA into the stem cell ; is the preferred
method. Dificulties with histocompatibilty are unlikely.

3.
The use of various growth factors enables the selective production
of a specific cell type from the isolated human stem cells [ hSC ].
These cells can then be cultured for a prolonged period of time
in vessels known as bioreactors , where the pH , oxygen , nutrients,
temperature and other factors are carefully monitored and controlled.
After a number of replications the amount of tissue precursor
available is considerable.
Whether these cell types , after culturing , have aged at an
unacceptable rate is a consideration that I have yet to address.
A measurement of Telomere length might give an indication.

4.
Now the tissue precursor can be grown on a bio-scafold or
introduced into the receipent , directly.
Unique growth factors are involved in all of these methods.


Of course there should be no ethical objections to this research
from most anyone.


----- future.


The potential of these combined discoveries is considerable.
Not only might a tissue or organ be regenerated , any underlying
genetic disorder , including those related to aging , might be
effectively treated too.
With an improved understanding of genetics , proteomics and
intra-cellular function more accurate approahes to arresting
aging should eventuate.





1. Stem Cells from blood.

http://search.yahoo.com/bin/search?p=stem+cells+from+blood
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2003-02/dnl-arc022403.php
http://www.anl.gov/OPA/news03/news030224.htm


2. Gene Therapy. Needles for gene therapy.

http://www.tritechresearch.com/cgi-bin/shop/minj.html
http://www.gene-cell.com/tech/needles.html
http://www.gene-cell.com/tech/needles.html
http://www.appliedtissue.com/genetherapy.html


3. Culturing Human Blood Cells.

http://www.cytomatrix.com/Pages/aParentPages/GovResearch.html
http://www.viacellinc.com/select.html
http://www.geron.com

4. Tissue Engineering.

http://www.tissue-engineering.net/
http://www.liebertpub.com/TEN/default1.asp


Edmont.

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