Extracellular Matrix

Stem cells grow when they attach to a collagen scaffold known as the extracellular matrix (ECM).  Generally, when this is done, the cells and ECM are the same age, but researchers at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio wondered if old stem cells might be rejuvenated if they grew on young ECM.  It turned out growth of old cells on young collagen was about the same as young cells.  While this has been shown in animals, and human tests are not done, it raises the possibility of more effective stem cell banking from an early age for use in later life.    MORE

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