British scientists create first complete working organ from cells August 24th, 2014| “By directly reprogramming cells we’ve managed to produce an artificial cell type that, when transplanted, can form a fully organised and functional organ. This is an important first step towards the goal of generating a clinically useful artificial thymus in the lab.” The thymus is the central hub of the immune system sending out infection fighting T-cells. People with a defective thymus lack functioning T-cells and are highly vulnerable to infections. This is especially hazardous for bone marrow transplant patients, who need a working thymus to rebuild their immune systems after surgery. Around one in 4,000 babies born each year in the UK have a malfunctioning or completely absent thymus, due to rare conditions such as DiGeorge syndrome. genetherapy.me/bone-marrow-stem-cells/british-scientists-create-first-complete-working-organ-from-cells.php
Posted on: Mon, 25 Aug 2014 06:40:02 +0000