New study finds shared link between cancer cells and stem cells

A new US study has discovered a link between the genetic factors involved in cancer cell development and the principle underpinning stem cell creation.

Scientists from the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California has found that oncogenes – which cause healthy cells to become cancerous when mutated – can also be used to change normal tissue into stem cells.

A trial conducted by the team showed that by suppressing the expression of p53, a protein encoded by a widely studied oncogene, brain cells can be successfully grown from human skin.

According to the research, this indicates that mutations of this kind can create positive and negative effects, rather than inevitably leading to cancer.

Dr Jiang Zhong, assistant professor of pathology at the Keck School, said: "What is a stem cell gene? What is a cancer gene? It may be the same thing."

Last month, a Liverpool John Moores University-headed study reported a new stem cell research breakthrough that could allow damaged hearts to be repaired from within.