STEM CELLS Beyond embryonic stage

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: Research institutes are increasingly looking at stem cell technology for therapeutic applications, reports BV Mahalakshmi.

The uncertain regulatory environment in the US might have raised ethical and religious issues relating to stem cell research — some forms of research involve using human embryos. However, stem cell technology is the next big wave and a buzzword in the scientific community in India. There has been increasing activity in stem cell research in recent times in both public and private sectors and there are no political or faith-based objections.

Leading institutes like LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), Hyderabad, the National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, among others, are at the forefront of stem cell research that could lead to possible cures for many serious diseases. The researchers are using adult and embryonic stem cells as well as more readily available sources such as bone marrow, peripheral blood and umbilical cord blood cells.

Stem cells, derived from the patient or donors, act as repair agents within the body, multiplying continuously to replenish other cells. Limbal stem cells are being used at LVPEI to repair cornea surface disorders caused by limbal stem cells deficiencies. Says Dr Geeta K Vemuganti, head of stem cell laboratory, “In cases where the limbus is damaged and there is a deficiency leading to corneal opacity and finally resulting in blindness, stem cells emerge as promising solutions”.

“Researchers at LVPEI initiated work on stem cells where a bit of the limbus is grown on a pre-processed sample of human amniotic membrane to produce a stichable sheet of corneal epithelium in the lab. Already, we have treated more than 250 cases with 70% success,” she adds.

The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad is working on pancreatic cells, bone marrow, muscle cells and cell tissue engineering. It has signed an MoU with the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad for tissue engineering says CCMB director Lalji Singh.

New entrants include the Asian Heart Institute and Research Centre which is developing therapies for coronary heart diseases by regenerating heart cells; The Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi, and Ruby Hall Medical Research Centre, Pune have joined hands with a Denmark-based company to set up a cord blood storage facility; AIIMS has done extensive research in the area of cardiac care.