MU scientists convert pigs' connective tissue cells into stem cells

New finding could result in better tests for stem cell therapy, more accurate model

		AUDIO: R. Michael Roberts explains why the pig is such a good model for future stem cell research. Click here for more information.

COLUMBIA, Mo. ¬— For years, proponents have touted the benefits of embryonic stem cell research, but the potential therapies still face hurdles. Side effects such as tumor development, a lack of an effective and long-term animal model to test new therapies, and genetic incompatibility between the host and donor cells are some of the problems faced by researchers. Now, scientists at the University of Missouri have developed the ability to take regular cells from a pig's connective tissues, known as fibroblasts, and transform them into stem cells, eliminating several of these hurdles. The new study appeared in a recent issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).