Yesterday, the journal NATURE published a new breakthrough in stem cell technology. For the first time, researchers have been able to directly reprogram adult stem cells in mice into a different needed cell type. Specifically, the Washington Post reported that the scientists pinpointed “three crucial molecular switches that, when flipped, completely convert a common cell in the pancreas into the more precious insulin-producing ones that diabetics need.”
But what does this mean—in plain English?
The scientists were able to go in, reprogram adult cells inside the pancreas of the subject mice, causing those cells to become and function as insulin-producing cells needed by the diabetic mice. This finding raises hope for future treatments of diabetes, heart disease, strokes, and other ailments in humans. It means that patients will be able to have some of their own cells reprogrammed without the need for drugs, transplants, or other therapies.
But it also means much more than that.
It means that destructive embryonic research is definitely on the way “out.” No embryos were necessary for this breakthrough. In fact, even the breakthrough from last year—the finding that adults stem cells could be reprogrammed back into the embryonic state (iPS cells)—was unnecessary here. Instead, the breakthrough announced yesterday skipped the intermediary step of iPS cells and directly transformed cells within the subject mice into the desired cells.
Stated George Q. Daley, a stem cell researcher at Children’s Hospital in Boston, “This experiment proves you don’t have to go all the way back to an embryonic state. You can use a related cell. That may be easier to do and much more practical to do.”
Indeed, in addition to practicality is the fact that reprogramming a patient’s own cells—rather than using embryonic stem cells—will reduce the risk of tumor formation.
Finally, it also means that the time is now for states to pass legislation prohibiting the funding of destructive embryo research and cloning. Not only are there moral and ethical issues surrounding such research, but scientists are continually proving it to be obsolete. State and federal funds should be spent on research that holds the most promise. And as demonstrated by these scientists, that research certainly is not destructive embryo research. Every dollar spent on embryo research means a dollar not spent on research that is actually developing treatments and cures.
True, this initial breakthrough was conducted on mice and not humans. However, Douglas A. Melton, co-director of the research team, stated that he hopes to start planning the first studies involving humans with diabetes within one year, with human trials starting within five years. The prospects look good for human patients, as the pancreatic development of mice and humans is closely related.
Other scientists have started preliminary testing with other cells which could be used to treat spinal cord injuries and neurodegenerative disorders such as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
As stated by Richard Doerflinger of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, “This is a ‘win-win’ situation for medicine and ethics.”
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Hi Mailee
“Every dollar spent on embryo research means a dollar not spent on research that is actually developing treatments and cures.”
This is not true.
If you believe, you should now the place God holds for liars like you.
Have a nice day, and vote Obama.
t.