University of Copenhagen Researchers Create ‘Super Stem Cells’ with Enhanced Regenerative Capabilities

University of Copenhagen Researchers Create ‘Super Stem Cells’ with Enhanced Regenerative Capabilities

(IN BRIEF) Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have created “super stem cells” by altering the cells’ diet, enhancing their ability to differentiate into various cell types such as liver, skin, and nerve cells. This development has significant implications for regenerative medicine and fertility treatments. By modifying the stem cells’ sugar intake, the team discovered that these cells remain healthier and more effective at differentiation over time. The “super stem cells” may also improve IVF success rates by enhancing early embryonic development, particularly yolk sac formation, which is crucial for successful implantation.

(PRESS RELEASE) COPENHAGEN, 25-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the University of Copenhagen have developed “super stem cells” that exhibit superior capabilities compared to regular stem cells, making them more effective in differentiating into specialized cells such as liver, skin, and nerve cells. The innovative approach involves altering the stem cells’ diet, which enhances their regenerative potential, offering exciting possibilities for future medical treatments, including improving IVF success rates.

Stem cells are unique cells capable of replicating themselves and transforming into specialized cell types through a process called differentiation. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs), derived from embryos, are a key type of stem cell that can be maintained and grown in a dish to develop into various specialized cells.

The researchers discovered that by adjusting the sugar available to the stem cells in their growth medium, the cells undergo metabolic changes that reprogram them. As a result, these reprogrammed stem cells behave as if they were in an earlier stage of development, boosting their ability to differentiate into other cell types. This rejuvenation process is seen as a step forward in regenerative medicine, which aims to replace or repair damaged tissues and organs.

“The results are striking,” says Robert Bone, Assistant Professor at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW) and first author of the study. “Not only do the stem cells become better at differentiating, but they remain healthier over time compared to those in standard conditions.”

One promising area for these ‘super stem cells’ is fertility treatment, particularly in improving in vitro fertilization (IVF). The researchers noted that the modified stem cells are more efficient in producing a specific type of tissue that is crucial for early embryonic development, particularly the yolk sac, which is vital for embryo implantation and successful pregnancy outcomes.

Joshua Brickman, Professor at reNEW and corresponding author, emphasizes the broad potential of this research: “This simple metabolic intervention could pave the way for treating diseases like Parkinson’s, osteoporosis, and diabetes, and also revitalizing aging cells to treat conditions such as heart failure or liver cirrhosis.”

The researchers are hopeful that these “super stem cells” could be incorporated into future IVF procedures to enhance embryo development and increase implantation success rates.

Read the study “Altering metabolism programs cell identity via NAD+-dependent deacetylation”.

Stem cells are fundamental and unique cells in our bodies, that can replicate themselves and evolve into other, specialised cell types like liver, skin or nerve cells in a process known as differentiation. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are grown from an embryo and maintained in a dish. These cells can be developed into specialised cell types in a dish.

In the future, researchers believe that stem cells can be used for developing new treatments that replace or repair damaged tissues and organs or to restore functions that have been lost due to diseases or damages. This is known as regenerative medicine.

Source: Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine, reNEW

Media Contact:

Professor Joshua Brickman
+45 20 34 07 50
joshua.brickman@sund.ku.dk

William Brøns Petersen
Communications Adviser
+45 93 56 55 80
william.petersen@adm.ku.dk

SOURCE: University of Copenhagen