U-M stem-cell line gets national registry go-ahead

A second human embryonic stem-cell line derived at the University of Michigan has been accepted on the U.S. National Institutes of Health registry, making the line available for federally funded research and possibly bringing science a step closer to understanding Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

The hereditary neurological disorder is characterized by muscle degeneration in the foot, lower leg and hand.

The line, known as UM11-1PGD, was derived from a cluster of about 30 cells that had been removed from a donated 5-day-old embryo created for reproductive purposes. The cells were found to carry the gene defect responsible for the disease, also known as CMT.

Because the stem-cell line carries the unique characteristics of the disease, researchers can use it to study the disease progression. That, in turn, may lead to screening techniques and even a cure. Like the first line, UM11-1PGD was developed by Gary Smith, codirector of the U-M Consortium for Stem Cell Therapies at the A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute.

Several other disease-specific lines have been submitted to NIH and are awaiting approval. The first accepted line, which is believed to be disease-free, was accepted to the registry in February.

Contact Robin Erb: 313-222-2708 or rerb@freepress.com

Continue reading here:
U-M stem-cell line gets national registry go-ahead