They make 'super stem cells' with a simple diet change

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have made a promising breakthrough in the field of cell biology: they have created what they call "super stem cells"—cells that are younger, healthier, and more versatile than conventional ones, with the potential to significantly improve treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

In this study, conducted at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), scientists discovered that replacing glucose in the culture medium with galactose changed the way stem cells produced energy. This triggered a profound transformation: the cells were "reprogrammed" to a more primitive and efficient state, with a greater capacity to develop into different cell types, such as liver, nerve, and skin cells.

"By modifying their diet, the stem cells rejuvenate and become 'super stem cells,'" explains Robert Bone, assistant professor and first author of the study. "This change forces them to metabolize energy differently, which reactivates their developmental potential."

Galactose forces cells to use a more efficient energy-generating process called oxidative phosphorylation, which strengthens their ability to differentiate and stay healthy.

"What's really surprising is that they not only become better at functioning, but they also stay in good condition longer. And it's all achieved through a relatively simple method," adds Professor Joshua Brickman, lead author of the study.

One of the most immediate applications of these super stem cells could be in improving in vitro fertilization treatments. Researchers observed that these cells are especially good at forming a type of tissue that develops in the early stages of the embryo: the yolk sac, which is essential for an embryo to implant properly.

"One of the things these cells do best is generate the cell line that develops into the yolk sac," Bone explains. "This is very relevant because previous studies have shown that yolk sac formation is crucial for the success of an implanted embryo."

Brickman adds: "We want to apply this metabolic change to IVF embryo culture, in the hope that it will increase implantation rates and improve treatment success."

The impact of this discovery goes beyond fertility. It could open doors to regenerative medicine, helping to treat diseases such as Parkinson's, heart failure, liver cirrhosis, osteoporosis, and diabetes by regenerating damaged or aged tissue.

Furthermore, the researchers observed that this metabolic change activates a protein linked to cellular aging, which improves DNA's interaction with key proteins. This process reduces genetic "noise" and improves the precision with which the cell interprets its biological instructions, something that deteriorates with age.

This breakthrough, moreover, does not depend on complicated genetic techniques or cutting-edge technology, but rather on a simple and accessible nutritional change.

"We're not genetically modifying the cells or applying expensive treatments. We're just changing the sugar they consume. And that opens up many clinical and therapeutic possibilities," says Brickman.

However, for Ángel Raya Chamorro of the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), "what the study says is one thing, and what the press release says is another."

According to Raya, "the announcement of extrapolations to human treatments in regenerative medicine or in vitro fertilization seems a bit overrated to me. It may be real, but it needs to be proven."

Speaking to SMC, Raya expressed doubts about its application. "It needs to be tested in humans before it can be applied, both in regenerative medicine and in vitro fertilization. What I don't understand is why they haven't tried the same methodology—replacing glucose with galactose—in human cells. They performed a very small test with mouse embryos, and I don't know why they haven't also tested it with human embryos, if that type of experiment is technically very simple to test in humans."

This, he adds, "leads me to believe that the applicability will be very limited to mouse embryonic stem cells, which is an important finding for groups working with them because it will allow them to have more functional and homogeneous cells."