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March 29, 2006
Stem Cell Innovations Produces Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Topics: Life Issues
Pluripotent stem cells are cells that can produce additional stem cells as well as one or more other types of cells, and can develop into most, if not all, of the tissues of the organism. To date, two types of mammalian stem cells have been shown to be truly pluripotent: the well-known embryonic stem cells, which are cultured from very early embryos and are patented by the University of Wisconsin, and the lesser-known embryonic germ cells, which are developed from fetal gonadal tissue. Pluripotent stem cells hold great promise for both research and health care. This advance in human biology continues to generate enthusiasm among scientists, patients suffering from a broad range of diseases, including cancer, heart disease and diabetes, and their families.
Today, GEN is reporting that Dr. James H. Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of Stem Cell Innovations, Inc., will be presenting data at the Keystone Symposium on Stem Cells in Vancouver demonstrating that the Company has produced multiple lines of human pluripotent stem cells. Because these cells are derived from fetal tissue, not early embryos, they are eligible for use in laboratories funded by the National Institutes of Health.
In his presentation at the Symposium, Dr. Kelly will present data demonstrating that Company scientists were able to overcome many of the problems inherent in the production of EG cells. First, the Company's cell lines are able to maintain their undifferentiated state and normal chromosome complement. Second, the Company is able to produce its cell lines without feeder layers (layers of foreign cells used as an environment to grow the stem cells which can complicate the process and result in contamination of the stem cells). Finally, the Company is able to efficiently develop multiple lines, the first step in creating banks of cells that can be matched to patients in cell therapies.According to Dr. Kelly, the Company is considering ways in which to make these cells widely available to scientists and believes that these cells can make a significant contribution to our further understanding of stem cell biology and its accelerated commercial development.
This research appears to still pose an ethical problem because the cells are derived from either aborted fetuses or from spare embryos in fertility treatment. There are many people, including many religious groups - myself included, who feel it is wrong to use a potential human being as a source of material in this way. It is also argued that the embryo cannot give permission so using it is a violation of it's human rights.
Related:
Stem cell research and policy issues.
Future of Stem Cell Research: Rapid Progress
Posted by Richard at March 29, 2006 12:03 PM
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