American researchers announced on October 8 that congenital defects in fetuses can potentially be repaired before birth using germ cells.
This method involves extracting a portion of the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus in the womb and collecting a type of germ cell known as mesenchymal stem cells. These cells can develop into various types of cells that may be used to restore damaged or diseased tissues.
The researchers utilized germ cells obtained from the membranes surrounding the amniotic fluid of fetal sheep to develop tracheas, which were then implanted into the fetal tissue still located within the womb.
Tracheal defects are rare in humans but can be dangerous and very difficult to repair. Typically, repairing these defects—often through surgery immediately after birth—can lead to numerous complications, including potential brain damage.
Dr. Dario Fauza and colleagues at a Boston children’s hospital hope their new method could pave the way for repairing congenital defects in fetuses before birth.
“This research heralds a new phase in stem cell research,” said Robert Lanza, a stem cell research expert. According to Lanza, this method could also be used to create bladders and similar structures. “We could potentially create functional human hearts or kidneys; however, this requires further research and more time.”
Fauza’s research team, after conducting trials on sheep, is currently awaiting approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct human trials. They are also considering using a similar approach to repair defects in the spine and heart.
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