Preparations are underway for the first known human trial to
use embryonic-like stem cells collected from adult cells to grow bone.
The cells technology, called VSEL stem cells, or very small
embryonic-like stem cells, are derived from adults—not fetuses. This eliminates
ethical arguments and potential side effects associated with using actual
embryonic stem cells derived from a fetus, say researchers at the University of
Michigan School of Dentistry and New York-based NeoStem Inc.
The research partners hypothesize that the VSEL stem cells,
which mimic properties of embryonic stem cells, can provide a minimally
invasive way to speed painful bone regeneration for dental patients and others
with bone trauma.