Stem cell research in Australia
Stem cell research is a relatively new area of science. Much more basic information about the growth and behaviour of stem cells is needed before they can be used to develop new treatments.
Researchers around the world are focusing on investigating the molecular characteristics of all stem cell types and improving culturing methods. This includes growing cells without using animal products, which may be a source of new viruses and infections that could limit the use of stem cells in transplants.
Australian Stem Cell Centre
Scientists are now beginning to succeed in making stem cells differentiate into particular types of cells, and identifying whether these specialised cells function normally. Australian scientists have been at the forefront of this research. For example, scientists at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne and at the University of Queensland are looking at brain stem cells, with a long-term view of treating patients with brain injuries or degenerative diseases. Others are studying the capacity for stem cells to produce a complex organ, by making scaffolding for cells to grow on or around.
In 2000, a group of scientists from the Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development reported the development of nerve stem cells from embryonic stem cells. Their work made the front page of the scientific journal Nature, which is the science equivalent to having your photo on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine!
Today, much of Australian stem cell research is directed through the Australian Stem Cell Centre, a Biotechnology Centre of Excellence established by the Australian Government in 2003. The Centre brings together scientists from around Australia to research both embryonic and adult stem cells.
The main areas of research for stem cell therapies target:
regenerating damaged cardiac (heart) tissue
blood and bone marrow regeneration to
- improve bone marrow transplantation techniques
- generate safer blood cell products for patients needing transfusion
kidney and lung disease
- neural (brain) diseases such as Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis
For more information, go to:
Australian Stem Cell Centre: http://www.stemcellcentre.edu.au
University of Queensland’s Neural Stem Cell Laboratory: http://www.qbi.uq.edu.au/index.html?page=13987
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research: http://www.wehi.edu.au/research/overview/dnb.html