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Concerns Raised Over Ability Of 'Ethical' Stem Cells

Concerns Raised Over Ability Of 'Ethical' Stem Cells

Human embryonic stem (hES) cell colony on a mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) feeder layer.

Glasgow Herald

February 16, 2010

A study has raised doubts about the creation of “ethical” all- purpose stem cells for research and treatment.

Embryonic stem cells have the power to develop into any of the 220 cell types that make up the different tissues of the human body, but they are mired in controversy because they must be extracted from cannibalised early-stage embryos.

But recent advances have made it possible to “reprogram” ordinary skin cells, giving them the properties of embryonic stem cells.

These cells, known as induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, are seen by many experts and pro-life groups as a potential solution to the problem of having to destroy human embryos.

But new brain research suggests that iPS cells have serious shortcomings not shared by “real” embryonic stem cells.

Scientists compared the ability of induced cells and embryonic stem cells to transform into immature neurons – a key process for any future treatment of brain diseases such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.

They found that the iPS cells differentiated less efficiently and less faithfully.

Professor Su-Chun Zhang, from the University of Wisconsin- Madison School of Medicine in the US, who led the study, said: "Embryonic stem cells can pretty much be predicted. Induced cells cannot.

“That means that at this point there is still some work to be done to generate ideal induced pluripotent stem cells for application.”

Nevertheless he believed the problems were technical hurdles that would ultimately be resolved.

“Technical things can be overcome,” he added.

Originally published by Newsquest Media Group.

© 2010 Herald, The; Glasgow (UK). Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.

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