By discovering an important protein in stem cells, scientists have taken a major step toward planting substitute human organs.
By discovering a protein called Meox1 in stem cells, scientists have come closer to implanting organ transplants. According to researchers, this new discovery could be a revolution in the medical field. In this way, there is no need for organ transplants, and the new discovery has the potential to save thousands of lives a year.
Researchers at the University of Monash in Australia have discovered a fish called Zebra Fish. The Zebra is a small fish species found in Southeast Asia. This type of fish is often used as a model for many biological similarities to humans. Fish zeal like human beings, in addition to muscle, blood, bone and teeth, has two eyes, one mouth and one brain.
In addition, zebra fish and humans have many similar organs, including the kidneys and heart, and 70% of human genes are found in zebra fish. Scientists have now discovered the link between stem cells and Meox1 protein. Peter Curie, a senior researcher in the study, says:
Before the start of these studies, we did not know the existence and function of these particular stem cells. Now knowing this, we will be able to coordinate, control and activate these cells to revitalize the damaged tissues (the body).
Scientists have long been studying the conditions for the growth of organs in laboratory environments, but how the production of live tissues from stem cells has so far been unresolved. Researchers from the study found evidence of cell clones in a fish zebra. In this way, scientists can grow complete organs with a small number of stem cells.
In fact, with only a few specific stem cells, most of the body's tissues can be grown and the Meox1 protein helps grow the body's tissues. It's obvious that scientists are far from having a heart and liver in the laboratory, but with this new discovery, they have a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of the body and the way they produce most of the body's tissues.
Researchers say that the growth of body tissues by stem cells is one of the greatest advances in biology. According to researchers, increasing knowledge about these cellular mechanisms can help to cope with the damage from diseases like cancer.
Scientists have now made great progress in this regard. Last year, American researchers succeeded in rebuilding human heart tissues, of course, using a single-member cell, and now they are one step closer to planting alternative body organs.
References:
https://www.wikipedia.org
https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-get-another-step-closer-to-growing-replacement-body-organs
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