Drug Boosts Stem Cell Activity

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In more regeneration news, a study published in Science has indicated there may be more ways to encourage our stem cells to replenish lost tissue. The key molecule this time is Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which is normally degraded by another enzyme 15-PGDH. A potent inhibitor of this enzyme, rather complicatedly named SW033291, allows higher levels of PGE2 to accumulate than normal. This increase in PGE2 promisingly extended and accelerated repair of bone marrow, colon and liver tissue in the target mice. Uncovering more ways like this to remove the roadblocks preventing regeneration could lead to interesting developments applicable to humans.  Read more at Vision Times