University of Michigan invention could advance stem cell science

When embryonic stem cells are grown, these sensitive cells need an extra-friendly environment to live in.

University of Michigan researchers have created a special synthetic surface, which they say could create a more consistent environment within a petri dish for those little stem cells. And that, they say, could in turn advance their studies into the world of embryonic stem cell research.

Gary Smith is an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology.

Courtesy | University of Michigan

Typically, scientists have grown batches of embryonic stem cells, or cells derived from embryos that have yet to specialize for a certain purpose, on a surface of another set of cells - such as skin cells from mice.

But that can lead to batch variability, making it difficult for researchers to pinpoint why embryonic stem cells behave the way they do. It also raises questions about the unknowns introduced in embryonic stem cell research when animal proteins are involved in growing them.

In a cross-campus partnership, U-M's Joerg Lahann, an expert in creating chemical surfaces, partnered with U-M stem cell biologist Gary Smith to help create a defined synthetic surface for the stem cells.

A paper on their work, at least four years in the making, was published online last week in the journal Nature Biotechnology. U-M is looking to patent the technology and bring it to market.

Joerg Lahann is an associate professor of chemical engineering.

Courtesy | University of Michigan

"We've eliminated or have the potential to eliminate contamination of the cell by unknown human factors," Smith said. "It makes cells more easily used for clinical studies or implantation, which people believe has great potential."

In December, it was announced that U-M researchers received approval to begin receiving unused embryos for stem cells, more than a year after Michigan voters approved a proposal allowing the research.

At the time, officials said it was a move that could jump start stem cell research, which would lead to clinical breakthroughs and stimulate the state's economy. Michigan will play host to the preeminent scientific conference on stem cells, World Stem Cell Summit, in Detroit in October.

Since the passage of a law that relaxed the rules regarding stem cell research to allow embryonic stem cell research in the state in November 2008, U-M scientists have been working to perfect techniques to prepare for the new lines of stem cells. The researchers say they believe this will help advance their efforts.

"The field has a long way to go, but this is a big step forward," Lahann said.

Tina Reed covers health and the environment for AnnArbor.com. You can reach her at tinareed@annarbor.com, call her at 734-623-2535 or find her on Twitter @TreedinAA.