NEW YORK, April 11, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- National Stem Cell (Pink Sheets:NHGI) has announced the publication of sponsored research whose findings suggest the discovery of a potential source of insulin-producing cells to treat Type I Diabetes. Type I Diabetes, sometimes referred to as Juvenile Diabetes--although it can strike at any age, affects millions of people worldwide.
The manuscript, entitled "Glucose Responsive Insulin Production from Human Embryonic Germ (EG) Cell Derivatives," includes research sponsored by National Stem Cell and carried out by Michael J. Shamblott, Ph.D., a Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine researcher who also serves as Chief Scientific Advisor to National Stem Cell. This paper, currently in peer review, will appear in the May 11, 2007 issue of ScienceDirect and is available now online at www.sciencedirect.com.
According to the abstract, the scientists were able to, "show that cells derived from human embryonic germ (EG) cells express markers of definitive endoderm, pancreatic and B-cell development, glucose sensing, and production of mature insulin. These cells integrate functions necessary for glucose responsive regulation of preproinsulin mRNA and expression of insulin C-peptide in vitro. Following transplantation into mice, cells become insulin and C-peptide immunoreactive and produce plasma C-peptide in response to glucose. These findings suggest that EG cell derivatives may eventually serve as a source of insulin-producing cells for the treatment of diabetes."(G.O. Clark et al., Glucose responsive insulin production from human embryonic ..., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. (2007), doi:10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.03.017)
Michael Cohen, CEO of National Stem Cell, states: "Naturally we are excited about these findings and will continue to sponsor research investigating potential cures for diabetes and other conditions. As the scientific community continues to research stem cell-derived solutions, we look forward to building more creative collaborations to further the goals of regenerative medicine."
National Stem Cell Holding, Inc. (Pink Sheets:NHGI) is a biotechnology company headquartered in New York City dedicated to the advancement of regenerative medicine. Through its sponsored research agreements, National Stem Cell is focused on the development of potential stem cell therapies for the treatment of diabetes and cardiac injury. The company is planning to establish a genetically diverse umbilical cord blood bank to meet the growing need for transplant-grade umbilical cord blood stem cells. National Stem Cell Holding, Inc. is the parent company of National Stem Cell, Inc, incorporated in 2005, which operates the Sperm Bank of New York as a wholly owned subsidiary. For more information, please visit www.nationalstemcell.com.
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