The stem cell field has puzzled on and off for years over a constellation of papers on purported stem cells including so-called VSEL and MUSE cells. Many of us haven’t been convinced that these are real stem cells. I see VSEL and MUSE fitting into a larger pattern of dubious stem cell claims including the STAP cell debacle. Now the whole idea of VSEL, which stands for very small embryonic-like stem cells, has taken a big and perhaps final blow. The primary VSEL proponents, the …Read More
Mariusz Ratajczak
One of the more controversial areas in the stem cell field has been over a Sasquatch like stem cell type that only a handful of researchers have been able to find and study: very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs). A Sasquatch is a generally thought to be mythological creature from the Pacific Northwest area of the US where I grew up, also sometimes called Big Foot. Some folks believe in the Sasquatch. Some people believe in VSELs too. I’m more interested in what you think …Read More
I recently did a Q&A interview with NeoStem CEO Dr. Robin Smith. I posted Part 1 of that interview a few days ago here. Now we have part two focused on VSEL, ES cells, and iPS cells. PK: I frequently have readers of my blog ask questions about VSEL. They seem puzzled and unsure of what to think about these cells and their potential clinical use. Can you tell us in a nutshell what they are, why NeoStem is making such a big bet …Read More