Stem cells edited to fight arthritis
Scientists have rewired stem cells' genetic circuits to provide an anti-inflammatory arthritis drug when the cells encounter irritation. Credit score: © Michail Petrov / Fotolia Utilizing new gene-editing know-how, researchers have rewired mouse stem cells to struggle irritation brought on by arthritis and different continual situations. Such stem cells, often known as SMART cells (Stem cells Modified for Autonomous Regenerative Remedy), turn into cartilage cells that produce a biologic anti-inflammatory drug that, ideally, will exchange arthritic cartilage and concurrently shield joints and different tissues from injury that happens with continual irritation. The cells have been developed at Washington College College of Medication in St. Louis and Shriners Hospitals for Kids-St. Louis, in collaboration with investigators at Duke College and Cytex Therapeutics Inc., each in Durham, N.C. The researchers initiall...