• Question: Can you use synthetic tissue to solve genetic problems and if , what problems can you solve using synthetic tissue ?

    Asked by dave the raveing scietist to David, Eva, Nicholas, Rachel on 18 Nov 2015.
    • Photo: Nicholas Pearce

      Nicholas Pearce answered on 18 Nov 2015:


      Hey,

      I think we could. We’re learning more about how to make synthetic tissues, such as skin, muscles and even new organ systems from stem cells. Stem cells are special cells that have the ability to become any type of tissue, so if we can learn more about these cells, we can begin to grow synthetic tissues from them.

      These tissues could be used in some cases to treat genetic problems that might limit tissue growth – we could grow new kidneys for people who have genetic kidney problems (like PKD) and solve the issue that way.

      We’re still a way off being able to use this in hospitals yet, but when we do, it will be great news for lots of people 🙂

    • Photo: David Nunan

      David Nunan answered on 18 Nov 2015:


      Hey,

      This is something that comes up quite a lot in my area of science! In fact, I’ve seen the use of synthetic tissue for creating ‘life like’ cadavers for trainee medical and surgical students to practice on (check it out here [although it’s a bit gruesome]: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3083821/The-gruesome-world-synthetic-cadavers-Terrifying-medical-models-breathe-bleed-dilating-pupils.html). The jury is still out on this one!

      I think some of the key areas will be in the ability to grow new organs, like liver and heart, as well as endothelial cells to help with wound healing. We are quite good now at tissue-engineering from stem cells and can create small parts of organs in petri-dishes; but unfortunately not whole-ones just yet.

      Once we can do this it will be a game changer as lots of people born with genetic defects of their organs will be given hope in the form of synthetic organs 🙂

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