Stem cells may help repair diseased bladders

Washington: Scientists have revealed that they have developed specialized, unique cells from laboratory cultures of human stem cells that will help in curing diseased bladders.

The research done at the UC Davis Institute for Regenerative Cures, provides a pathway to regenerate replacement bladder tissue for patients whose bladders are too small or do not function properly, New Scientist reported.

Eric Kurzrock, professor and chief of the division of pediatric urologic surgery at UC Davis Children's Hospital and lead scientist of the study said that their goal is to use human stem cells to regenerate tissue in the lab, which can be transplanted to augment or replace malfunctioning bladders .

The study may also provide insight into the pathways of bladder cancer.

Jan Nolta, professor and director of the UC Davis Stem Cell program said that the study may provide important data for basic research in determining the deviations from normal biological processes that trigger malignancies in developing bladder cells.

The study was published in journal Stem Cells Translational Medicine.