Stem cell therapies may be able to be more targeted to individualized patients to combat chronic or life-threatening diseases in the future. A study published in the journal Nature by scientists at NYSCF and Columbia University focuses on embryonic stem cells derived from patients.

In the study, the nuclei of the patients’ (who had diabetes type 1) adult stem cells were added to unfertilized donor oocytes. During the study the scientists were able to transfer the nucleus of the adult skin cell to the oocyte without taking the nucleus of that oocyte and the nucleus was reprogrammed to a pluripotent state. Pluripotent cells can become virtually any cell and are also known as embryonic stem cells.

Although more research and work is required in order to be able to successfully use and maximize the benefits, there is great potential that individualized stem cell therapies can help fight a number of diseases. For instance, in the study, in theory the pluripotent cells could become insulin producing cells and the diabetes type 1 patient would be cured. For more information, please see http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/235602.php.