(November 19, 2009 - Insidermedicine)

Stem cells taken from human embryos can be coaxed into developing into specialized skin cells, which can be used to provide temporary protection of burn wounds while patients await permanent skin grafts, according to research published in this week's edition of The Lancet.

Here is some information about stem cells:

•    They are cells that have the ability to develop into other types of cells in the body

•    Stem cells derived from human embryos are known as human embryonic stem cells

•    Stem cells have great healing potential because they can be coaxed to develop into cells that are missing or damaged due to disease or injury

Researchers from INSERM and the Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases in Evry Cedex grew human embryonic stem cells under conditions that drove them to develop into specialized skin cells known as keratinocytes. They then placed these cells on an artificial matrix and grafted them onto mice.

The cells produced a layer of skin both on the matrix and on the mice. The structure of this skin was similar to that of mature human skin.

Today's research highlights a new technology by which temporary skin grafts can be placed on the wounds of burn victims while they await permanent grafts that are grown from their own skin. This temporary skin can help protect patients from both dehydration and infection.