One recent stem cell science development that has future clinical relevance for the gene therapy of FA-affected individuals is induced pluripotent stem cell (iPS) technology. This iPS technology means that haematopoietic stem cells can be generated from cells from other tissues, e.g., skin, and is not dependent on the presence of viable haematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. Further information concerning this development can be found here.

You can also listen to a ‘Podcast’ on the topic by the online journal Nature.(Click on ‘Play’ next to Reprogramming diseased cells topic on the LHS of the page.)

One of the key researchers involved in this field is Dr Juan Bueren. You will have the opportunity to meet him and hear him speak on this topic at our Clinicians/Family meeting at Chatsworth House on Sept 18th 2009

This entry was posted on Monday, June 8th, 2009 at 6:30 am