Researchers in the School of Veterinary Medicine have found a new way to make muscle cells from human stem cells using a technique that takes us much closer to clinical applications than other methods ever have.
The new method grows stem cells that float in high concentrations of growth factors, which ultimately encourage them to turn into muscle cells. Unlike existing methods of growing muscle cells, the new technique doesn’t rely on genetic modification, an obstacle that has previously prevented this sort of research from being applied to human trials.
The findings could have huge implications for treating diseases like ALS and muscular dystrophy. It’s exciting, innovative research like this that allows the School of Veterinary Medicine to make huge strides in improving human health care.