Czech, US scientists discovery eases stem cells production

Prague, Feb 8 (CTK) - Czech and U.S. scientists have discovered certain regularities in the genesis of mammals' embryos that might simplify the production of stem cells from body cells, representatives of the Czech Science Academy (AV) told CTK Monday.

They said the successful and controlled production of stem cells would be applicable in the programmes of cell therapy, such as redressing haematogenesis defects, defects of insulin production and repairs of a damaged nerve system.

The team of Petr Svoboda, from the AV Molecular Genetics Institute, in cooperation with the laboratory of Richard Schultz, from Pennsylvania University, have found out that so-called small molecules of ribonucleic acid (RNA) are not needed in the genesis of life from mammals' fertilised eggs.

These RNA molecules are, however, of fundamental importance in processes in common cells because without them body cells are not created correctly.

The research results are published in the Current Biology and Biology of Reproduction latest issues.

Body cells must be reprogrammed so that stem cells start to be created from them. However, small RNA are contained in body cells that has prevented their reprogramming until now.

"Thanks to our discovery we have found out that the blocking of RNA could help in the production of stem cells. We have preliminary indications that it functions," Svoboda said.

Stem were previously only gained from embryos which implied ethical problems. A few years ago an equivalent of stem embryonal cells was gained for the first time by the experimental reprogramming of other body cells.