International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO) has announced its tie up with the Michigan State University to facilitate the study of parthenogenetic stem cells. As a part of its ongoing strategy to work with scientific leaders across the world the ISCO has decided to work with the leading stem cell researcher Prof.Jose Cibelli at Michigan State University. Professor Cibelli will study gene expression in several human parthenogenetic stem cell lines and compare the results with fertilized embryonic stem cells.

ISCO is the first company in the world to perfect a process for creating human stem cells from unfertilized eggs. These cells are called parthenogenetic stem cells and they alleviate two critical problems inherent to the use of embryonic stem cells for cell transplantation, immune rejection and ethical issues associated with the use of fertilized human embryos.

The ISCO focuses on developing therapeutic and research products. The technology of the company, Parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cell lines from unfertilized human eggs. ISCO scientists have created the first Parthenogenetic homozygous stem cell line (phSC-Hhom-4) that can be a source of therapeutic cells that will not be rejected by immune system after transplantation into millions of individuals of differing sexes, ages and racial groups. These advancements offer the potential to create the first true Stem Cell Bank and address ethical issues by eliminating the need to use or destroy fertilized embryos. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media worldwide for therapeutic research through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology.

Jeffrey Janus, President of International Stem Cell Corporation in a statement said,

“Collaborations with leading researchers such as Dr. Cibelli and Michigan State University generate important knowledge about these unique cells, helping in ISCO’s goal of creating a true stem cell bank that could offer on-demand delivery of clinical grade cells matched to a patient’s own immune system.”

Source:foxbusiness