Why is cystic fibrosis a good candidate for stem cell therapy?

CF is a potential model disease for stem cell therapy because of the persistent lung inflammation that leads to damage and remodeling, which could promote engraftment of stem cells. As we will discuss later, injury is an essential catalyst that enables the production of lung cells from bone marrow (BM) stem cells.

What research is being done on cystic fibrosis?

NIH-funded discovery uses common antifungal drug to improve lungs’ ability to fight infection. Researchers say a widely-used antifungal drug may hold promise for treating people with cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disorder that causes serious damage to the lungs.

What is the best source for embryonic stem cells?

There are three main sources of human embryonic stem cell lines.

• Cell lines that already exist.
• Spare embryos left over from fertility treatment.
• Custom-made embryos created by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), the technique used to create the sheep Dolly.

  What are 3 reasons why we should do embryonic stem cell research?

  Research with embryonic stem cells may lead to new, more effective treatments for serious human ailments and alleviate the suffering of thousands of people. Diseases such as juvenile diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, heart failure and spinal cord injuries are examples.

  How can stem cells help cystic fibrosis?

  They have the unique ability to divide and produce copies of themselves or other kinds of cells, and, importantly, to replace damaged cells. This is why there is such interest in using stem cells in regenerative treatments and to treat diseases such as cystic fibrosis.

  Why is there still no cure for cystic fibrosis?

  Its treatment, however, is not. People diagnosed with cystic fibrosis have a mutation in a gene called CFTR. This gene encodes a protein that is responsible for transporting chloride to the surface of cells. Without chloride to attract water, the mucus that surrounds the cells in many organs becomes thick and sticky.

  How are stem cells used to treat cystic fibrosis?

  Achieving this in the laboratory is relatively straightforward; the big challenge is how to convert this to help people directly. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the US is also investing in research into stem cells. Stem cell therapies hold enormous promise for the future, but the work is still at an experimental stage.

  Are there any new treatments for cystic fibrosis?

  If stem cell therapy emerges, it will need to be regulated by government agencies such as the FDA and EMA and be scrutinised as rigorously as any new treatment for cystic fibrosis. In a special blog, Director of Research Dr Janet Allen takes a closer look at stem cell research.

  Is the Alex Lemonade Stand Foundation related to stem cell research?

  Liz Scott, Alex’s mother and co-executive director of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, stated in an e-mail to ALL in May, 2012, that: “Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation has not funded anything even remotely related to embryonic stem cell research.”

  How are the symptoms of cystic fibrosis caused?

  The symptoms of cystic fibrosis are caused by a defective protein, known as the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Researchers are investigating potential therapies to restore proper function to the CFTR protein or correct its production process so that a normal protein is made.

  Is it possible to treat cystic fibrosis with stem cells?

  Stem cell therapies hold enormous promise for the future, but the work is still at an experimental stage. If stem cell therapy emerges, it will need to be regulated by government agencies such as the FDA and EMA and be scrutinised as rigorously as any new treatment for cystic fibrosis.

  Is there a cure for cystic fibrosis in children?

  Cystic fibrosis in children has devastating consequences for health and ability, and cystic fibrosis life expectancy for milder forms of the disease is still significantly shorter than those without it. Luckily, new stem cell research shows significant hope for cystic fibrosis treatment.

  Is the prognosis for cystic fibrosis getting better?

  Cystic fibrosis treatment is in high demand. It is the most common inherited disease for caucasian people, and one in 2,500 babies are born with some level of the disease. While cystic fibrosis prognosis is getting better, it is still only at 37.5 years for children who receive a cystic fibrosis diagnosis at birth.

  What are some of the treatments for cystic fibrosis?

  However, there are a number of cystic fibrosis treatments that help to alleviate the symptoms and consequences of the disease. Currently, cystic fibrosis is treated with: antibiotics to prevent and remedy chest infections medicines to thin mucus within the lungs medicines to widen the airways medicines to reduce inflammation