Engineering an organ or tissue begins with having the right kinds of cells. In some cases, cells are isolated from a small tissue sample the size of a postage stamp. They are then mixed with growth factors and multiplied in the lab. The cells multiply in quantity so rapidly that, in about 6 weeks, a layer one cell thick could theoretically cover a football field.

For cells that cannot be adequately grown outside the body (heart, nerve, liver, pancreas, etc.), stem cells may be used to guide them to become a particular type of cell.

Our lab identified a new class of stem cell, derived from amniotic fluid and placental tissue. These cells are readily obtainable and have properties of both embryonic and adult stem cells. We are currently using the cells to explore potential treatments for diabetes and for liver and heart disease.

These images show muscle precursor cells in culture. When differentiated, the cells become muscle fibers (the “streaks” in the bottom photo).