Another controversial step in stem cell technology has been made this month after stem cells were used to grow human intestinal tissue.
The tissue was made by obtained by inducing skin cells into pluripotent stem cells. This allowed them to change into the types of tissue used within the intestines such as muscle, endothelium and nerve cells. After this, the research team rolled the cells out flat and exposed them to a growth factor called Activin A, to the same effect as Agar Jelly is used in Petri Dishes. This produced a flat 'Tortilla Fajita'-like wall of gut tissue in which they rolled up and placed Microvilli tissues and muscle inside (call that BBQ sauce?). They then exposed the tortilla to more growth factors...
"Great/ Solid/Fantastic-
people with bad intestines and crohn's disease can finally get brand new compatible and unsmuggled intestines!"
But no.
The result of this massive step in stem cell research is an unrecognisable mess of bits of this and that and the other. Although most of the components for a complete intestine are present, and the cylindrical shape of the gut is made, the elements that make the organ complete are missing. At present there are no nerves and no functional muscle (it doesn't contract).
When the scientists resolve how to mesh the organoids together, testing will begin in animals. Probably not mice though because they are too small...
Research for artificial organs steams on in search of the answers.
Stay tuned for the next article!
