In a breakthrough experiment, a group of Israeli researchers have successfully grown heart cells in the laboratory. The team grew the tissue from stem cells isolated from an embryo just days after fertilisation. Researchers managed to transform the stem cells into immature cardiomyocytes. Tests revealed that the immature cells showed all the electrical, biochemical and morphological characteristics of normal, young cardiac muscle tissue. The team believe that the cells would go on to mature into cardiac muscle if they transplanted into a human heart. The discovery raises the possibility that stem cells may eventually be used to regenerate heart tissue damaged by disease.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Journal of Clinical Investigation 2001 108: 407-414
