Technology is constantly changing. And with these changes comes renewed hope for better ways to treat the chronic diseases that our customers are all too familiar with.
One new study from researchers at the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute could be the source for many living with Muscular Dystrophy (MD) to find some of that inspiration.
The Premise of the Study
The study titled “Autonomous Extracellular Matrix Remodeling Controls a Progressive Adaptation in Muscle Stem Cell Regenerative Capacity during Development” compared the restorative properties of adult stem cells versus those of fetal stem cells.
They did this by testing the secretion of specific proteins within the stem cells of adult muscles and how those proteins generate new muscle. Then, comparing those results to how efficiently fetal stem cells generate new muscles.
Additionally, they tested how the two types of stem cells work together when added to the same environment.
What the Research Shows
Through this project they were able to determine that fetal stem cells generate new muscles more efficiently than adult muscle stem cells.
This is likely due to the fact that stem cells change throughout the different phases of development. As fetal stem cells, their main job is to create new muscle; while adult muscle stem cells primarily repair muscles rather than generate new muscles.
They were also able to determine that when paired together they improved the ability to regenerate muscles as a whole.
What this Means for MD Treatments
The findings of the study show the importance of a cell’s structure and how it influences regeneration behaviors. As developers work on creating new, potential treatments for MD they can utilize these findings towards their own research and testing phases.
The hope being that these findings will aid researchers in finding a cure for those suffering from MD both now and in the future.
Until then, our team at Rollx Vans will continue to support MD research by donating a portion of our wheelchair accessible van sales on behalf of our customers. Contact our team today to learn more about how we’re doing this.