Paralyzed mice can walk again, rat brain cells find a home in the eye and brains can become brawn.

These and other advancements made possible by stem cells were discussed Tuesday by two associate professors at a forum on stem cell research at Iowa State.

Stem cells are unspecialized cells that have the ability to develop into different types of cells found in the human body. These cells have been extensively studied by scientists for possible use in nerve regeneration for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, bone marrow transplants, new pancreatic cells for diabetes patients and new sight for the blind.

Don Sakaguchi, associate professor of zoology and genetics, spoke about the nature of stem cells and their sources before discussing his own topic of research at the lecture in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union. Sakaguchi’s research focuses on alternatives to using embryonic stem cells, specifically adult stem cells present in the many tissues of an adult.

The stem cells are present in many tissues, although they are most plentiful in bone marrow and the brain. These adult stem cells may be limited in the type of tissues they can form. For instance, brain stem cells may become blood or muscle cells but not bone cells. Also, these stem cells may be partially “worn out,” meaning they may only be able to replicate a limited number of times.

The other viable sources for stem cells are those derived from terminated pregnancies, excess fertility embryos and from therapeutic cloning. Some of these techniques have come under fire, Sakaguchi said.

“Listen a little closer to media news regarding stem cells to determine their source before making any judgment,” he said.

Despite research done on these cells, they remain relatively mysterious in how they develop, Sakaguchi said.

“Stem cells will be of limited use until scientists can answer one question – What are the combination of signals and conditions that determine their fate in the human body?” he said.

In an attempt to answer this question, he has been injecting adult neural stem cells into rat retinas to better understand cell differentiation process. Sakaguchi said he has met with impressive preliminary results.

After Sakaguchi’s presentation, Surya Mallapragada, associate professor of chemical engineering, provided an overview of her in-depth work at repairing damaged nervous tissue.

Mallapragada’s research interests include mammary tissue regeneration and using membranes for bioseparations.

Currently, both researchers are utilizing adult rat stem cells.

“I would see an advantage in moving to human embryo stem cells as our studies progress,” Mallapragada said.

A follow-up lecture focusing on the ethics of stem cell research will be presented by Robert Streiffer, whose research interests include ethical issues arising from modern biotechnology. Sakaguchi and Mallapragada will moderate this forum Feb. 11 at noon in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union.