Angelo Butera BME 181 February 19 th 2013

What are stem cells?  Will self-renew – number of stem cells stays constant  Can differentiate  Adult stem cells vs embryonic stem cells

Current Controversies  Embryonic stem cells  Is harvesting them ethical?  Should they be harvested at birth? Umbilical cord.  Adult stem cells can be substituted, but less effective  Mice using adult stem cells do not live long  Embryonic stem cells can cause cancer – uncontrolled differentiation.

Leprosy  Scientists researching the way leprosy spreads  Targets Schwann cells – help repair nerves after damage  Nerve cells get damaged, causes characteristic leprosy syndromes.  Schwann cells to “stem cells” to muscle cells, other cells that move around the body

Implications  Catch leprosy early – check for presence of stem cells  Revert adult cells to stem cells, almost unlimited source  Eliminate stigma associated with stem cell research  Do other diseases manipulate cells the same way?

Stem Cell Uses  Regrow organs  Spinal cord/nerve injuries  Brain damage  Possibly fully regrow arms/legs  Diabetes, blindness, deafness  Pretty much anything you can think of

Drawbacks  Still don’t fully understand mechanics  Likely to be prohibitively expensive  Improper use can cause cancer  Can it be weaponized?

References  "Cell - Reprogramming Adult Schwann Cells to Stem Cell- like Cells by Leprosy Bacilli Promotes Dissemination of Infection." Cell - Reprogramming Adult Schwann Cells to Stem Cell-like Cells by Leprosy Bacilli Promotes Dissemination of Infection. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Feb  Costandi, Mo. "Leprosy Spreads by Reprogramming Nerve Cells into Migratory Stem Cells." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 28 Nov Web. 19 Feb  "Frequently Asked Questions." Info Center [Stem Cell Information]. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Feb  "Stem Cell Treatments." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 02 June Web. 19 Feb