Spleen may be source of versatile stem cells
January 20, 2005 | Source: KurzweilAI
Massachusetts General Hospital researchers have found further evidence that the spleen might be a source of adult stem cells.
Previously the researchers found evidence that splenic stem cells existed and could regenerate the insulin-producing islets of the pancreas. In a follow-up study, they now report that these potential adult stem cells produce a protein previously believed to be present only during the embryonic development of mammals. The finding both supports the existence of these splenic stem cells and also suggests they may be able to produce an even greater variety of tissues.