Stem cell marker aids cancer understanding
By being able to identify these stem cells the researchers are hoping to learn more about the role they play in tissue regeneration and cancer. Image: Henrik5000/iStockphoto An international team of researchers led by renowned stem cell scientist Professor Martin Pera has discovered a novel marker that plays an important role in our understanding of how cancer develops in the liver, pancreas and oesophagus. The study, published in the journal Stem Cell, adds to our understanding of the role of stem and next stage progenitor cells in tissue regeneration and in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.While stem cells are known to reside in organs such as the liver and pancreas, they are difficult to isolate. The new findings show that an antibody developed by the team can be used to capture the stem cells.Professor Pera, program leader for Stem Cells Australia and Chair of Stem Cell Sciences at the University...