Breakthur in Stem Cells Research

Very interesting breakthru in Stem cell research

Researchers have transformed ordinary human skin cells into batches of cells that look and act like embryonic stem cells -- but without using cloning technology and without making embryos.

Their breakthroughs, reported on Tuesday, could make possible the long-sought goal of tailor-made medicine, but without the political, scientific and ethical roadblock of using human eggs or embryos.

The White House immediately welcomed the development, given President George W. Bush's long opposition to embryo research, even as scientists said the finding should not be the end of such research.

"This work represents a tremendous scientific milestone -- the biological equivalent of the Wright Brothers' first airplane," said Dr. Robert Lanza of Advanced Cell Technology, a Massachusetts company working in the same field.

"It's not practical to use right now, but it might be in a few years. This is truly the Holy Grail -- to be able to take a few cells from a patient -- say a cheek swab or few skin cells -- and turn them into stem cells in the laboratory."


FOUR GENES

Both teams used just four genes to transform ordinary skin cells called fibroblasts into induced pluripotent stem cells -- iPS cells for short.

Both teams said the new cells are not ready to use in people yet because they used a type of virus called a retrovirus to carry the new genes into the skin cells. It is not clear whether this virus might cause genetic mutations that could cause cancer or other side effects.

"Scientists may yet find that embryonic stem cells are more powerful," Harkin said in a statement. "We need to continue to pursue all alternatives as we search for treatments for diabetes, Parkinson's, and spinal cord injuries."

More info: http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN2058175020071121?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0