UCI center trades points with patients

UC Irvine’s stem cell research center offered a tour Thursday to multiple-sclerosis patients, the people whom its research affects.

But the scientists switched hats at times from educator to student.

“We invite them in to advise us from time to time,” said Hans Keirstead, a lead stem cell scientist at the center. “Here we are in our ivory tower, spending the public’s money, and we want to make sure we’re accountable.”

Eight members of the Principal Coast Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society were given a tour with Keirstead and his fellow researchers that featured a tissue research lab and a state-of-the-art microscope used in stem cell research.

Scientists hope to use stem cells eventually to treat spinal cord injuries or even cure diseases like multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system.

“We want to put a face on MS instead of having them just look at a (brain) lesion on a film,” said Nan Luke, a National Multiple Sclerosis Society member.

Luke is part of the patients’ advisory committee, a community advocacy group that works with UCI researchers.

Soon the scientists want to be able to use a slice of skin from the back of the ear to produce cloned cells from humans, Keirstead told the group.

A petri dish full of cloned cells from a person with MS is invaluable, Keirstead said.

“What you want to do is lay out 10 petri dishes with 10 groups of cells that have the MS gene. Five develop MS, and five don’t. Then you start asking questions,” clinical researcher Steven Cramer said.

Clinical research, or human experimentation, with MS patients and stem cells is distant, Keirstead said.

But with their first round of human research beginning on similar diseases expected to start next year, the eight were given hope.

“We’re pulling for you guys to come up with something, because this [stinks],” said Jim Kapko, who has multiple sclerosis.

JOSEPH SERNA may be reached at (714) 966-4619 or at joseph.serna@latimes.com.