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< Blood Service News - 06.10.2008 Major leap in stem cell research: The Finnish Red Cross Blood Service first to map the stem cell glycan structure
The Finnish Red Cross Blood Service (FRCBS) and its partner Glykos Finland are the first in the world to map the surface carbohydrate structures of the human stem cell; These new findings enable improved targeting of stem cells in the organism and their improved use in the treatment of diseases. Stem cells – the treatment of tomorrow Bone marrow transplants are probably the best known form of stem cell therapies, and have been successfully used in cancer treatment and other severe blood-related diseases. In Finland, the first bone marrow transplant was done already in the 1970s, although making full use of stem cells on a larger scale is not estimated to happen until the future decades. In addition to the traditional bone marrow transplants, the new stem cell therapies focus on repairing tissue damaged in a myocardial infarction or as a result of degenerative neural or bone diseases, for example. Stem cell therapy can be used to control the body's own healing process. Although the future possibilities seem unlimited, there are yet several issues to tackle. Stem cell purification and growth continue to pose great challenges. Further, targeting stem cells to their intended destinations is difficult - with the current methods, most of the stem cells do not end up in the tissue needing to be recovered. Research focused on the stem cell surface The aim of the FRCBS's research and development is to offer the health care sector new methods for caring for patients. Stem cells, and their surface structures in particular, are at the core of FRCBS research. Carbohydrate structures also known as glycans cover the outer surface of all known cells. It is hypothesised that glycans are responsible for many of the properties unique to stem cells, determining how cells interact with their surrounding environment. Globally, glycan research has been modest. Discovering their structure can be considered as a major advance in stem cell research and also as a leap towards improved stem cell therapies. The world's top stem cell experts assemble at the FRCBS's 60th anniversary symposium "From Stem Cells to Therapy" In addition to performing all of the tissue compatibility testing in Finland, maintaining both the Finnish Bone Marrow Donor Registry and the Cord Blood Bank makes the FRCBS an important player in stem cell transplants. To honour its 60th anniversary, the FRCBS is organising an international symposium "From Stem Cells to Therapy" in Hanasaari, Espoo, on October 8th, 2008. The 60th anniversary symposium covers stem cell research from clinical and scientific perspectives. Speakers include top experts from Finland and abroad. The symposium is intended for stem cell researchers, doctors using stem cells and organising stem cell therapies, and for everyone interested in the field. Symposium topics include stem cell isolation from cord blood. In addition to the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service's 60th anniversary, the symposium celebrates the Cord Blood Bank's 10th anniversary. From Stem Cells to Therapy -progamme
Leena Valmu, PhD, docent, tel. +358 9 58011, mobile: +358 50 547 4219, email: leena.valmu(at)bts.redcross.fi The Finnish Red Cross Blood Service (FRCBS) is a non-profit organisation producing safe blood components for patients treated in Finnish hospitals. It also offers a range of laboratory and consultation services and training in blood transfusion therapy and organ and stem cell transplants to the hospitals. The FRCBS maintains the Finnish Bone Marrow Donor Registry and the Cord Blood Bank. The FRCBS employs approximately 550 people in 16 locations. The Blood Supply Centre is located in the Helsinki Blood Centre in Kivihaka. In Finland, approximately 160,000 people donate blood each year. Their contribution to saving lives is invaluable. © Veripalvelu 2012 Legal notice |
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