How stem cells decide

Scientists have discovered a key protein that controls how stem cells choose to become either skeletal muscle cells that move limbs, or smooth muscle cells that support blood vessels, as per a research study published recently in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

The results not only provide insight into the development of muscle types in the human fetus, but also suggest new ways to treat atherosclerosis and cancer, diseases that involve the creation of new blood vessels from stem cell reserves that would otherwise replace worn out skeletal muscle.

The newly discovered mechanism also suggests that some current cancer therapys may weaken muscle, and that doctor scientists should start watching to see if a previously undetected side effect exists.