Researchers at the University of Tokyo have successfully cultured nerve and bone cells from special placental cells, a breakthrough that could lead to the treatment of incurable diseases such as bone cancer and Parkinson's disease, the daily Yomiuri Shimbun reported Tuesday.
A team of scientists at a cell-processing section of the university's Institute of Medical Science, led by professor Tsuneo Takahashi, discovered that mesenchymal stem cells, which develop into bone and nerve cells, exist in placental villi, tiny branchlike structures that supply oxygen and nutrition to a baby in the womb, according to the paper.
Mesenchymal stem cells are known to also exist in bone marrow.