University of Pittsburgh researchers have discovered that a type of cell — called an amniotic epithelial cell — in the human placenta bears a close resemblance to a human embryonic stem cell in its ability to develop into different tissues, according to a paper published online on Thursday in… Stem Cells Express, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. Stephen Strom and Yoshio Miki — an associate professor and professor, respectively, at the UP School of Medicine’s Department of Pathology — also will describe their findings in a future issue of the journal Stem Cells. Amniotic epithelial cells comprise the thin membrane — known as the amnion or birth sac — surrounding the fetus and can be obtained from placentas usually discarded after childbirth. These cells might be a “noncontroversial alternative” to embryonic stem cells for purposes of research into cures of life-threatening conditions, such as diabetes or Parkinson’s disease, according to the Post-Gazette. The Pittsburgh-based biotechnology company Stemnion licensed the patent rights from UP and plans to use amniotic epithelial cells to treat cirrhosis and diabetes (Spice, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 8/5).

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