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Researchers direct stem cells to increase bone formation, bone strength

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Researchers have developed a technique to enhance bone growth through the use of a molecule that, when injected into the bloodstream, directs the body’s stem cells to travel to the surface of bones, according to a University of California – Davis Health System news release.

“Our study confirms that stem-cell-binding molecules can be exploited to direct stem cells to therapeutic sites inside an animal,” study author Kit S. Lam, MD, PhD, stated in the release. “It represents a very important step in making this type of stem cell therapy a reality.”

The cells, once guided to the bone surface, differentiate into bone-forming cells and synthesize proteins to enhance bone growth, according to the release.

The study, published online in Nature Medicine, used a mouse model of osteoporosis to demonstrate a unique treatment approach that increases bone density and prevents bone loss, the release noted.

For the study, the researchers utilized a unique hybrid molecule, LLP2a-alendronate. The molecule, according to the release, consists of two parts: the LLP2A part, which attaches to mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow, and a second part consisting of the bone-homing alendronate. Following injection into the bloodstream, the molecule reportedly picked up mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow and directed them to the surfaces of bone, where they carried out their normal functions of bone formation and repair.

According to the release, 12 weeks after the hybrid molecule was injected into mice the researchers found improved bone strength and increased bone mass in the femur and vertebrae, compared with control mice who did not receive the molecule. Mice that received the treatment and were of an age wherein bone loss would normally occur also experienced improved bone formation.

“These results are very promising for translating into human therapy,” study author Jan A. Nolta, PhD, stated in the release. “We have shown this potential therapy is effective in rodents, and our goal now is to move it into clinical trials.”

Reference:

• Guan M, Yao W, Liu R, et al. Directing mesenchymal stem cells to bone to augment bone formation and increase bone mass. Nat Med. 2012. doi: 10.1038/nm.2665.

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