Stem Cell Breakthrough

A group of scientists have developed what appears to be a safer and more effective way to produce stem cells without the use of human embryos. The new stem cells are called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS).

An international team of researchers, led by Dr. Andras Nagy of Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital, have discovered a new way to turn adult skin cells into stem cells that behave much like embryonic stem cells without the problems normally associated with the procedure. In the past, a virus was used to make genetic changes to the adult cells. But the virus often damaged the healthy DNA, and had the potential to cause cancer.

Nagy and his team have developed a technique that does not use a virus to reprogram the adult skin cells into embryonic-like cells, thereby eliminating the danger of DNA damage or cancer. Nagy has reported that a series of tests have shown that the transformed cells have many of the properties of embryonic stem cells.

Many researchers believe that the flexibility and regenerative ability of stem cells hold great promise in the treatment of such diseases as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, heart disease and diabetes. Those with ethical concerns about the use of embryonic stem cells are pleased with the potential of the new discoveries. "Stem cell research that requires destroying embryos is going the way of the Model T," said Richard M. Doerflinger of the U.S Conference of Catholic Bishops. "No administration that values science and medical progress over politics will want to divert funds now toward that increasingly obsolete and needlessly divisive approach.

[TheGlobeAndMail.com, WashingtonPost.com, Washington Update]