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Alpha-1 support group visits Boston University research lab, views slides of stem cells generated from Alpha-1 skin cells
BOSTON—Members of the Massachusetts Alpha-1 Support Group recently visited the research lab of Darrell Kotton, MD, at Boston University School of Medicine.
The Kotton lab is working on advancing the understanding of lung disease and developmental biology with a focus on stem cell biology and gene therapy.
Massachusetts support group members during their visit to the Boston University School of Medicine research lab.
Kotton believes that novel treatments for many lung diseases can be created based on a better understanding of how the lung develops as well as regenerates after lung injury.
Kotton and his staff are currently working on a project to reprogram adult skin cells to become stem cells. These cells closely resemble embryonic stem cells and are able to form all cell types.
This new technology could ultimately allow development of cell-based therapies for genetic conditions. For example, the therapy could use cells that are genetically identical to the those of a person affected by lung or liver disease caused by Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, or other genetic condition.
Several members of the support group are participating in Kotton’s research and have had skin biopsies done. Support group members were able to view slides of Alpha-1 skin cells that have generated stem cells during their visit.
The gene therapy research of the Kotton lab is featured in the new issue of Alpha-1 magazine. Subscriptions are free
