From the Therapist's Desk
Stem Cell Engineering for New Cartilage
In an exciting new study, researchers have found a way to create cartilage from embryonic stem cells. Cartilage is located on the ends of the bones in a joint. Cartilage creates a smooth surface for your bones to glide easily on during motion. In some joints, such as the knee, it acts as a shock absorber when you walk or run. Injury, aging, or disease can cause cartilage to break down, leading to painful joints and limited movement. Because cartilage is not able to heal itself, worn or damaged cartilage may need surgical removal. The patient's own cultured cartilage cells may be used during surgical repair of some joints, but researchers around the world have been challenged to create materials that are most compatible and mimic the cells in the human body.
Researchers at Rice University are the first to discover a way to convert stem cells into cartilage-like cells to make cartilage tissue. Embryonic stem cells are capable of turning into any type of cell in the body. The researchers believe that in the future, the engineered cartilage could be used in the surgical reconstruction of all joints in the human body. More studies are underway about this potentially promising solution for aching joints!