UW-Madison researchers have discovered a way to convert stem cells developed from adult skin cells into functional heart-muscle tissue, a breakthrough that could change the way the medical community treats heart disease.
A paper published Thursday in the scientific journal Circulation Research details the study conducted since 2007. Using induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells, UW cardiologist Dr. Tim Kamp created heart-muscle cells that, under a microscope, visibly maintain a steady heartbeat.
UW-Madison researcher James Thompson and his research team created iPS cells in 2007, which can be generated from adult tissue and do not generate the controversy associated with embryonic stem cells. In 1998, Thompson was the first scientist to remove and grow human embryonic stem cells.
In the past, embryonic stem cells have proven capable of forming heart cells, but this study marks the first time iPS cells have been used to form the same heart cells.
[The study] shows that those induced pluripotent stem cells can be differentiated and can form heart cells, which we thought they should be able to do because embryonic stem cells can, and we think they're like embryonic stem cells,"" Kamp said.
Kamp also said researchers are excited that iPS cells allow them to create disease models, which, when constructed in a lab dish, would allow scientists to develop a better understanding of heart disease within a contained environment.
The iPS cells have been used for more than just heart muscle development. Dr. Clive Svendson of the UW-Madison School of Medicine and his lab have also successfully used these iPS cells to create motor neuron cells in a disease-model of spinal muscular atrophy.
UW-Madison scientist Jianhua Zhang, lead author on the paper, said she believes iPS cell development can positively affect the future of medicine by allowing doctors to personalize the way they treat patients
While she admits it could be several years before iPS technology is actively incorporated into cell therapy, Zhang feels that, since its start in 2007, iPS research has made very significant progress.
Edward Fallone, president of the non-profit group Wisconsin Stem Cell Now, said the discovery is exciting and such research with iPS cells must continue.
""Everything we learn about replacement tissue and the ability to generate replacements for body tissues that are diseased or damaged, everything we learn brings us one step closer to eventually being able to cure these conditions,"" Fallone said.
