INFORMATION ON THE GRIFFITH ADULT STEM CELL RESEARCH (An extract from…

INFORMATION ON THE GRIFFITH ADULT STEM CELL RESEARCH

(An extract from published University material; DO NO HARM has no connection
with Griffith University)



Stem Cell Research
Are the solutions under our nose?


For some time now the issue of Stem Cell research has been the centre of somewhat
controversial debate. However, Griffith University is now undertaking preclinical
research using adult stem cells that are readily available, adaptable, safe, non-
controversial and potentially life-changing.

Adaptable
Griffith has successfully shown that adult stem cells
harvested from the human nose (olfactory cells)
have similar capabilities to embryonic stem cells
ie. being able to develop into new brain cells, liver
cells, heart cells, kidney cells and muscle cells.

Available
Olfactory stem cells are easy to grow-
· Readily available in every individual of all ages
· Easily harvested from patient's own nose
· Can be grown from tissue samples within two weeks
· Millions of cells already grown by research team
from small samples
· Good candidates for cell transplantation therapies
and tissue reconstruction.

Safe
Olfactory stem cells can be grown without animal cells ­
· Eliminates risk of transfer of animal genes or viruses
during the growth of the stem cell.

Safe
Olfactory stem cells do not seem to grow in an
uncontrolled way ­
· More controllable during growth in lab dish or
after transplantation
· May be excellent candidates for cell therapies as
they do not seem to form tumours or teratomas.

Therapeutic potential
Olfactory stem cells have potential for
"autologous" therapies ­
· The patient's own cells are removed, grown and
transplanted back into the same patient
· Avoids the problems of immune system rejection
when foreign cells are transplanted
· Eliminates the need for immune-suppressing drugs
to prevent rejection
· Eliminates ethical issues of foreign or
foetal transplants.

Biotechnological potential
Olfactory stem cells can be taken from people with
diseases for studying causes and treatments without
the use of therapeutic cloning-
· The research team is already using them to investigate
Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, motor neurone
disease and epilepsy
· Will be candidates for drug discovery.

Results now
Other olfactory cells are already being used in
transplantation research-
· In 2002, Professor Mackay-Sim, with
colleagues from the Princess Alexandra Hospital,
commenced a world-first phase 1 clinical trial into
spinal cord regeneration.
This uses olfactory ensheathing cells. The trial
is ongoing.

Leading researcher
Professor Alan Mackay-Sim has been researching
nerve cell regeneration in the nose for 30 years and
has specialised in olfactory stem cells for the past
five years. He is the Deputy Director of Griffith
University's Eskitis Institute for Cell and Molecular
Therapies. In 2003, he was named Queenslander of
the Year for his services to science and research.

IN SUMMARY:
Adult stem cells offer many exciting possibilities for cell transplantation therapies and
biotechnology, without being overshadowed by technical and ethical issues.

Griffith is a world leader in researching adult stem cells from the nose. These cells
are easily accessible and can be grown in great quantities from all adults.

This research provides opportunities for moving adult stem cells quickly towards
therapeutic and biotechnological outcomes, and positioning Australia as a world
leader in this field.

END.