There are always new studies being conducted to understand the potential therapeutic uses of stem cells. In this blog, we will be exploring a particular set of experiments conducted by two recognised experts in cloning and stem cell therapy, Frank McKeon and Wa Xian.<\/p>\n
These two, from the Department of Biology and Biochemistry and the Stem Cell Centre at UH, have been looking into conducting tests to identify the source of the persistent inflammation in CF lungs.<\/p>\n
If you are curious about what CF is, what the study has found and its connection to stem cells, read on.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Section 2 – (What is Cystic Fibrosis )” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title: What is Cystic Fibrosis ” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n
The simple explanation for\u00a0Cystic Fibrosis (CF)<\/a>\u00a0is that it is an inherited, progressive disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. The disease makes the body produce a sticky mucus that can build up in the lungs and pancreas. It causes long-lasting infections and inflammation, limits the ability to breathe and makes it difficult for sufferers to digest food.<\/p>\n It is caused by a defect cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) which is what causes the body to produce the sticky mucus.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Section 3 – (The Elements of the Study)” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title: The Elements of the Study” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n The newborn spot test is offered to all mums, and it is not a compulsory test. It is a good option though so have a discussion to have with your midwife. This test does cover a good range of health conditions but what if you could find out even more health issues your baby may be predisposed to?<\/p>\n Let\u2019s introduce you briefly to the\u00a0Newborn Genomes Programme<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n As discussed in the\u00a0Woman’s Hour\u00a0segment\u00a0<\/a><\/u><\/em>Vivienne Parry of Genomic England and Rebecca Middleton who works for Genomic on the panel representing parents and health care professionals are working on a project talk about further genomic sequencing for newborns.<\/p>\n The project aims to widen the number of diseases tested for, to help parents make early changes to keep their babies healthy. The way it will work is a sample of blood or saliva will be taken from baby and then tested against actionable genetic conditions that may affect their early life.<\/p>\n This project is being created by Genomic England, working closely with health care professionals as well as parents to figure out both the benefits and potential downfalls of this sort of testing.<\/p>\n This testing has some interesting potential. Working with both the professionals for technical elements and parents for more of the ethical dilemmas, most people seem to agree that this idea is great but needs to be done right.<\/p>\n The team hope to launch the research pilot in mid-2023 to evaluate whether this project could work.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Section 4 (Baby Insight )” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title: (Baby Insight) ” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n Now, what is this study looking at? It is about to get a little complicated but let\u2019s dive in.<\/p>\n Based on some experiments to do with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, which has similar pathologies to CF, the team hypothesised that stem cell variants play a role in the progression of CF. This progression is triggered by but separate from the CFTR gene.<\/p>\n Still with us? Good!<\/p>\n The clinical studies seem to suggest that the earlier application of CFTR modulators (something that will\u00a0correct the malfunctioning protein<\/a>\u00a0in this cell) could be a game-changer for CF. A companion drug will likely be needed for those with advanced lung disease, but things are looking good.<\/p>\nThe Elements of the Study<\/strong><\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text: (The newborn spot …)” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n
Baby Insight\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text: (Now what is this…)” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n