Scientists from around the globe are gathering in Cleveland this week to discuss the latest in adult stem cell research. Stem cells are cells that orchestrate the body's own repair systems. And one Cleveland researcher says stem cell therapy combined with a new gene repair technology could revolutionize medicine. From Ohio Public Radio station WKSU Jeff St.Clair reports.
As director of the Case transgenic and targeting facility, Case Western Reserve University's Ronald Conlon alters genes in mice so scientists can use them to test stem cell and other therapies.
But he says radical new gene splicing technology called CRISPR/cas is opening up a new era in research and therapy.
"It is an immensely powerful tool. It has made understanding what genes do and what mutations in humans do as we model them in model organisms, it's made that much easier. So it's a huge revolution for scientists."
Conlon says CRISPR/cas is a type of DNA scissors that can custom cut and replace any gene quickly and reliably.
He says it could lead to new ways to treat diseases like sickle cell anemia and AIDS.
"People are taking this technology and finding new and creative uses for it that no one has yet conceived of."
The Stem Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine conference runs through Wednesday in Cleveland.