Centre for Reproduction & Development News

Placenta shows ability to heal lungs
Thursday 17 June 2010

Researchers based at MIMR have shown that cells isolated from amnion membranes of the human placenta can reduce lung damage and promote healing.

A team led by Dr Ursula Manuelpillai at the Centre for Reproduction & Development at MIMR and A/Prof Yuben Moodley from the Lung Institute of Western Australia have shown for the first time that human amnion epithelial ‘stem’ cells not only reduce inflammation and fibrosis in the lung but can also differentiate into functional lung epithelial cells in mice. Their findings were published recently in the prestigious American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

The study provides hope for patients suffering from lung damage. Lung diseases are a major cause of death and disabilities world wide and respond poorly to conventional treatments. Placental stem cell based therapies although in the early stages of development, may form a vital part of future treatment.

For more information, please contact MIMR staff on 03 9594 7138.