Stem cell research
Stem cell and regenerative medicine research has the potential to impact on several industry sectors and the global market value is expected to reach nearly $10 billion (£6.5 billion) by 2013.
Stem cell research in Scotland
Scotland is at the forefront of stem cell research and regenerative medicine. One of the defining scientific breakthroughs of the last century - the cloning of ‘Dolly’ the sheep - took place in Scotland, and this pioneering advance is upheld by internationally acclaimed work in stem cells and regenerative medicine.
Scottish scientists continue to address the key medical challenges of the next century through groundbreaking stem cell research.
In February 2010, the UK Gene Therapy Advisory Committee (GTAC) gave approval to ReNeuron’s groundbreaking clinical trial with its ReN001 stem cell therapy for stroke patients. The stem cells are manufactured by Angel Biotechnology in Scotland.
Scotland has commercially attractive academic and clinical strengths, particularly in the area of translational stem cells – the transfer of basic research from ‘bench to bedside’.
We’re home to one of Europe’s largest and most highly regarded stem cell research communities with leading industry endorsement such as California’s Geron and Sweden’s Cellartis choosing to base their R&D operations here in Scotland.
What are stem cells?
There are two types of human stem cells: embryonic and adult. Embryonic stem cells are acquired from embryos up to one week old. Adult stem cells, on the other hand, come from bone marrow or tissues of an individual.
Stem cells are unique in the fact that they can divide and make copies of themselves and other cell types. They play a crucial role in repairing tissues such as skin and gut that need continuous replacement, and in damaged muscle.
Through stem cell research, such as that carried out in Scotland, scientists can gain a better understanding of how the normal cell develops.
Since stem cells can replace damaged cells in the body, that would otherwise not be replenished, scientists have come to explore the use of stem cells in regenerative medicine.
What is regenerative medicine?
Under certain conditions, stem cells can be induced to become other types of cells, such as blood, muscle, nerve, heart or insulin producing cells.
Stem cells may hold the key to replacing or regenerating cells lost in debilitating diseases including Parkinson’s, heart disease, and diabetes, cystic fibrosis, Multiple Sclerosis, leukaemia, hepatitis and osteoporosis.
Major academic research programs in stem cells are underway at Scotland's medical centres including:
- Diabetes research at Dundee and Aberdeen
- Multiple Sclerosis, motor neurone disease, musculo-skeletal, corneal, blood and liver research at Edinburgh
- Cardiovascular and stroke research at Glasgow