joshbyard:

New Technique Converts Adult Blood Cells into Stem Cells

[We already know that it is possible to turn red blood cells into stem cells]: Viruses can be harnessed to set the clock back on the cells by delivering genes to them, but that can come with complications, like mutated genes or cancer.

Instead, this technique (just published in PLoS One uses plasmids, DNA rings that replicate inside cells, then degrade. By jolting the cells with an electrical pulse, researchers created tiny holes holes in the cells that the plasmids could slip through.

The plasmids then inserted genes that cause the red blood cells to change to induced-pluripotent stem cells, or iPS—embryonic-like cells that act as if they were part of a 6-day-old embryo.

Unlike other processes, the cells were also introduced into a simulated version of the bone marrow environment they’re usually in. Early reports from the researchers say it’s been successful.

Usually, scientists might be able to eke out a handful of usable stem cells out of hundreds. The Johns Hopkins team has reported that their process can make up to 50 or 60 percent of them usable, without introducing viruses. But the next step for the researchers is the important test: checking the sturdiness of the cells by seeing what they can develop into after the stem cell phase.

(via Scientists Turn Adult Red Blood Cells Into Embryonic Stem Cells | Popular Science)