StemCell Services, based at the West of Scotland Science Park in Glasgow, have applied their expertise in neuronal cell culture to derive functional neuronal cells from human stem cells. The embryonic-derived cells are shown to exhibit typical neuronal-like morphology with small cell bodies and extended processes which form networks in the tissue culture dish. These cells are shown to be positive for markers of mature neurons, and interestingly have been shown to exhibit excitable properties typical of neuronal cells.
This is a very important development for the new company. Electrophysiology is the gold standard technology used to understand the electrical functioning of brain cells, such as neurons, and can subsequently be utilised to investigate the effects of novel compounds on neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinsons or Alzheimers. The use of stem cells in drug discovery provide an unlimited source of physiologically relevant human cells that can avoid expensive time-consuming mistakes and expand our understanding of pathways and mechanisms associated with debilitating diseases.
Notes to Editors
About StemCell Services: Established in 2006 and based in Glasgow, StemCell Services is the ambitious sister company of the highly successful Scottish Biomedical, located on the West of Scotland Science Park, Glasgow. The new company solely provide customised high quality stem cell research solutions to the biotech, pharma and regenerative medicine industries.
For further information, please contact: StemCell Services 0141 945 6568 Dr Stephen Hammond, Chief Executive Officer (0141 587 6111) Dr Suzanne Day, Business Development Manager
