Since 2006, patients' own iPS cells have given hope to all organ recipients. At that time, skin cells from mice were genetically modified into embryonic stem cells for the first time. The resulting stem cells provided a starting material for other cell types and therefore offered numerous possible uses. At the time, it was assumed that the patient's new cells would not cause rejection reactions. Unfortunately, new studies prove exactly the opposite. A study by the Center for Transplantation in San Francisco, USA, indicates that the induced pluripotent stem cells are often recognized by the body as foreign and rejected.
Genetic changes lead to mutations that cause rejection reactions
So that new patients' ownStem cells are created, skin cells are removed and artificially reprogrammed. This transformation occurs through genetic modification of the skin cells. The researchers in San Francisco have found that the mitochondria are damaged or, more precisely, modified. This results in a mutation that changes the human DNA and is therefore recognized and attacked by the body of the S recipient as a hostile pathogen. A new challenge for all researchers who are currently trying to develop tissue (mostly heart muscle tissue) from iPS cells. As the team leader explained, many scientists have until now underestimated the role of mitochondria. Now the researchers recommend that the cells be checked for mutations before turning them into other cell types.
Patient's own stem cells potentially have numerous applications, but developing tissues is a major challenge
If researchers manage to develop tissue from iPS stem cells, heart muscles could be produced in laboratories in the future. However, scientists are currently struggling with many problems. On the one hand, iPS cells should be prevented from remaining in the body after a tissue transplant. iPS cells should either be turned into stem cells or removed. Researchers are also currently working on stopping the formation of germ cell tumors in tissue. It may take several years before these problems find a solution.
