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Disavantages/Limitations of Stem Cell Research - AG

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Disavantages/Limitations of Stem Cell Research - AG

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Although Stem Cell Research can give us immense medical benefits and cure development defects before they happen, we also do not know what we really are getting ourselves into. There are many reasons why we should not get too much into this research. The first being that scientists don't know everything about this research making it very risky. Scientists also have to create new technology for this research. Another problem is that we do not know what the side effects are and if they could potentially create a new disease, illness, and/or interfere with the bodies natural functions. A moral argument that has come up many many times is the idea of "playing God", some people believe that this is altering the way someone intended to look and could have some unknown side effects. And the last issue is that it "perpetuates cloning of humans", and saying that it "aides the research into human cloning". These are some of the reasons why Stem Cell Research is a very controversial topic.

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Stem cell research is the use of either adult or embryonic cells to treat and cure diseases. Stem cells are immature and not fully developed cells of the human body that have the potential to be manipulated into different types of cells. There is a large debate surrounding stem cell research, which is mostly a moral one. Let's take a look at the good and bad that could come from the use of stem cells in our society.

The Advantages of Stem Cell Research

1. Immense Medical Benefits
The main purpose of researching stem cells is to asses their use in the medical field. It has been shown that they can be extremely beneficial in therapeutic cloning to treat chronic illnesses. They have also been a wonderful stepping stone into the advancement of regenerative medicines.

2. A Better Knowledge of Human Growth
By studying the very foundation of human growth, stem cells, in depth, scientists have been able to gain a much better understanding of how our bodies work. This is vital for advancing medicine, medical processes, and even cures for degenerative illnesses.

3. The Key To Reversing Aging
Stem cells are the key to regenerative processes, which could possibly be age reversal. By reviving organs in our body that have become old or worn out, you could essentially live forever or at least greatly prolong the lives of humans.

4. Cure Development Defects Before They Happen
Stem cell research doesn't just benefit the people walking around the earth, but also the ones that haven't been born yet. The effects of these cells on embryos could change the way that birth defects are treated. They could possibly be corrected before the child is even born, greatly improving their quality of life and chance of survival.

The Disadvantages of Stem Cell Research

1. High Uncertainties
One of the largest issues that people have with stem cell research is just how risky and unknown it truly is. Major advancements still need to be made and new technology must be developed before it can be used in an efficient and safe way.

2. Unknown Side Effects
Since stem cells are still in their research phase, the true long term effects of their use is not known or understood. Using them could cause new illnesses and disease to develop, or even interfere with the natural functions of the body.

3. Playing God
The moral argument is another big one when it comes to this topic. Many people believe that altering the basic structure of a human's genes is putting hands somewhere they should not be. The moral issue is the most frequently argued.

4. Perpetuates Cloning of Humans
Cloning is the process of making an exact genetic copy of a living organism. Stem cell research also aids the research into human cloning. Human cloning has been widely reviewed as a detriment to society with many negative benefits.

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Important Facts About Stem Cell Research

Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries, birth defects, damaged organs, and cancer could all be possibly treated with the use of stem cells.

Bone marrow transplantation is the only form of stem cell research that has been proven to be effective and safe.

Manipulating cells and their functions in a clinical setting or laboratory can hinder their normal functions and render them dangerous for use.

Stem cells can copy themselves for an unlimited period of time.

The reason that they have gained so much attention, is because stem cells are "blank" cells that can be turned into almost anything that the body needs.

Therapeutic cloning is a type of stem cell research.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Stem Cell Research

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Stem cell research is the use of either adult or embryonic cells to treat and cure diseases. Stem cells are immature and not fully developed cells of the human body that have the potential to be manipulated into different types of cells. There is a large debate surrounding stem cell research, which is mostly a moral one.

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They can divide and renew over a long amount of time.
They are not specialized.
They help specialized cell types.

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1. Introduction: What are stem cells, and why are they important?

2. What are the unique properties of all stem cells?

3. What are embryonic stem cells?

4. What are adult stem cells?

5. What are the similarities and differences between embryonic and adult stem cells?

6. What are induced pluripotent stem cells?

7. What are the potential uses of human stem cells and the obstacles that must be overcome before these potential uses will be realized?

8. Where can I get more information?

II. What are the unique properties of all stem cells?

Stem cells differ from other kinds of cells in the body. All stem cells-regardless of their source-have three general properties: they are capable of dividing and renewing themselves for long periods; they are unspecialized; and they can give rise to specialized cell types.

Stem cells are capable of dividing and renewing themselves for long periods. Unlike muscle cells, blood cells, or nerve cells-which do not normally replicate themselves-stem cells may replicate many times, or proliferate. A starting population of stem cells that proliferates for many months in the laboratory can yield millions of cells. If the resulting cells continue to be unspecialized, like the parent stem cells, the cells are said to be capable of long-term self-renewal.

Scientists are trying to understand two fundamental properties of stem cells that relate to their long-term self-renewal:

1. Why can embryonic stem cells proliferate for a year or more in the laboratory without differentiating, but most adult stem cells cannot; and

2. What are the factors in living organisms that normally regulate stem cell proliferation and self-renewal?

Discovering the answers to these questions may make it possible to understand how cell proliferation is regulated during normal embryonic development or during the abnormal cell division that leads to cancer. Such information would also enable scientists to grow embryonic and non-embryonic stem cells more efficiently in the laboratory.

The specific factors and conditions that allow stem cells to remain unspecialized are of great interest to scientists. It has taken scientists many years of trial and error to learn to derive and maintain stem cells in the laboratory without them spontaneously differentiating into specific cell types. For example, it took two decades to learn how to grow human embryonic stem cells in the laboratory following the development of conditions for growing mouse stem cells. Likewise, scientists must first understand the signals that enable a non-embryonic (adult) stem cell population to proliferate and remain unspecialized before they will be able to grow large numbers of unspecialized adult stem cells in the laboratory.

Stem cells are unspecialized. One of the fundamental properties of a stem cell is that it does not have any tissue-specific structures that allow it to perform specialized functions. For example, a stem cell cannot work with its neighbors to pump blood through the body (like a heart muscle cell), and it cannot carry oxygen molecules through the bloodstream (like a red blood cell). However, unspecialized stem cells can give rise to specialized cells, including heart muscle cells, blood cells, or nerve cells.

Stem cells can give rise to specialized cells. When unspecialized stem cells give rise to specialized cells, the process is called differentiation. While differentiating, the cell usually goes through several stages, becoming more specialized at each step. Scientists are just beginning to understand the signals inside and outside cells that trigger each step of the differentiation process. The internal signals are controlled by a cell's genes, which are interspersed across long strands of DNA and carry coded instructions for all cellular structures and functions. The external signals for cell differentiation include chemicals secreted by other cells, physical contact with neighboring cells, and certain molecules in the microenvironment. The interaction of signals during differentiation causes the cell's DNA to acquire epigenetic marks that restrict DNA expression in the cell and can be passed on through cell division.

Many questions about stem cell differentiation remain. For example, are the internal and external signals for cell differentiation similar for all kinds of stem cells? Can specific sets of signals be identified that promote differentiation into specific cell types? Addressing these questions may lead scientists to find new ways to control stem cell differentiation in the laboratory, thereby growing cells or tissues that can be used for specific purposes such as cell-based therapies or drug screening.

Adult stem cells typically generate the cell types of the tissue in which they reside. For example, a blood-forming adult stem cell in the bone marrow normally gives rise to the many types of blood cells. It is generally accepted that a blood-forming cell in the bone marrow-which is called a hematopoietic stem cell -cannot give rise to the cells of a very different tissue, such as nerve cells in the brain. Experiments over the last several years have purported to show that stem cells from one tissue may give rise to cell types of a completely different tissue. This remains an area of great debate within the research community. This controversy demonstrates the challenges of studying adult stem cells and suggests that additional research using adult stem cells is necessary to understand their full potential as future therapies.

Previous | II. What are the unique properties of all stem cells? | Next

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Introduction: What are stem cells, and why are they important? What are the unique properties of all stem cells? What are embryonic stem cells? What are adult stem cells? What are the similarities and differences between embryonic and adult stem cells? What are induced pluripotent stem cells?

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S.C Research  has been around for more than 50 years, the first major success occurred in 1957. That was the first successful attempt "at intravenous infusion of bone marrow in patients receiving radiation and chemotherapy. Her name was Mary Imogene in Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, USA" (International). In 1996, a sheep is cloned through a cell nuclear replacement at Edimburgh University in Scotland. In 2003, the first ES cell line was created by the King's College London in the UK.

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Successful first attempt at intravenous infusion of bone marrow in patients receiving radiation and chemotherapy, Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown, USA.
1959
Researchers at Jackson Laboratory, Maine, USA, identify a strain of mouse in which testicular teratomas occur with an appreciable frequency.
1963
The first quantitative descriptions of the self-renewing activities of transplanted mouse bone marrow cells, at University of Toronto, Canada.
1974
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, USA, demonstrate that mouse EC cells can participate in the development of organisms as well as teratomas.
1978
First IVF baby born, following fertilisation of human eggs outside the body by scientists at Cambridge University, UK.
1981
Successful cultivation of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells from explanted inner cell mass cells, at the University of California, USA, and Cambridge University, UK.
1987
Development of the technology needed for mutagenesis by gene targeting in mice using ES cells, at University of Utah and University of Cincinatti, USA.
1992
Development of methods for culturing embryonic germ (EG) cells developed at Vanderbilt University and National Cancer Institute, USA.
1996
A sheep is cloned through cell nuclear replacement techniques at the Roslin Institute, Edinburgh University, Scotland.

Primate ES cell lines derived at the Wisconsin Primate Research Center, USA.
1998
First human ES cell lines are derived from human blastocysts at the Wisconsin Primate Research Center.

Researchers at the John Hopkins University, USA, culture human EG cells taken from fetal tissue.
1999
Researchers at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, USA, remove 10 - 15 neural stem cells from a Parkinson's disease patient and used them to reproduce 6 million dopaminergic neural stem cells. These were reintroduced into the patient's brain tissue, producing a 62% increase in dopamine uptake and a 40-50% improvement in certain motor tasks.

Researchers at the Baylor College of Medicine, USA, turn adult somatic stem cells derived from skeletal muscle into blood cells.

Canadian researchers generate a variety of blood cell types, including myeloid, lymphoid and early hematopoietic, from adult somatic neural stem cells.
2002
Research at the University of Minnesota Medical School shows that adult somatic stem cells, previously thought to have very limited potential for specialisation, can differentiate into unrelated cell types, such as nerve and blood cells in some circumstances.
2003
Researchers at King's College London generate the UK's first human ES cell line.

The International Stem Cell Forum (ISCF) is established to encourage international collaboration and funding support for stem cell research.
2004
The ISCF begins a review of ethics and regulation relating to stem cell research across the globe.
2006
On behalf of the ISCF, the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council begins a review of intellectual property rights related to stem cell research across the world, which will be key in encouraging further research and development worldwide.
2006
Led by the UK Medical Research Council, the International Stem Cell Forum (ISCF) sponsors an international project coordinated by Sheffield University to characterise 59 human embryonic stem cell lines.

Led by the UK Medical Research Council, the International Stem Cell Forum (ISCF) sponsors an international project coordinated by Sheffield University to characterise 59 human embryonic stem cell lines.

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Successful first attempt at intravenous infusion of bone marrow in patients receiving radiation and chemotherapy, Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown, USA. 1959 Researchers at Jackson Laboratory, Maine, USA, identify a strain of mouse in which testicular teratomas occur with an appreciable frequency.

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-whether or not the embryo has human rights yet
-stem cells don't contain a genetic code unique to you, unlike any other cell
-"left over" embryos are used
-should we consider these left over embryos human?
-these embryos usually taken from woman you have undergone IVF treatment and have unused embryos
-after the stem cells are extracted, the embryos are discarded
-is this ethical?

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Stem cell research is often in the news both for its involvement in scientific breakthrough and the controversy surrounding its use. But while many of us are familiar with the term, when it comes to understanding exactly what stem cells are and what exactly they do, things can get a bit hazy. Luckily, YouTube channel Life Noggin put together a colorful video to outline the basics of stem cells.

First off, all of your cells contain the same genetic code which is unique to you (unless, of course, you are an identical twin or triplet). What sets a skin cell apart from a brain, bone, or blood cell is the manner in which these genes are expressed or turned on. Stem cells are unspecialized, meaning their gene expression has not yet been set. It's this factor that makes them so important.

Adult stem cells, also known as somatic cells, are used to maintain and repair cells in the tissue in which they are found. These types of stem cells are used in procedures such as skin grafts for burn victims. Researchers hope that eventually science will advance enough to enable these cells to regenerate whole organs and therefore lift some of the burden from organ transplant lists.

Controversial discussions involving stem cells usually refer to embryonic stem cells. Rather than being taken from adults, these cells are retrieved from fertilized embryos and can theoretically become any type of cell. This type of stem cell therpy is used in studies involving the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The embryos are most often donated by women who are participating in in-vitro fertilization and have leftover embryos.

Despite this controversy, stem cells are at the forefront of treatment for everything, from Alzheimer's disease to HIV, and are part of a truly exciting field of science.

Watch the video to learn more.

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Stem Cell Research: What Are Stem Cells And Why Is There So Much Controversy?

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Stem cell research is often in the news both for its involvement in scientific breakthrough and the controversy surrounding its use. But while many of us are familiar with the term, when it comes to understanding exactly what stem cells are and what exactly they do, things can get a bit hazy.

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The hip and pelvis contain the most concentrated supply of stem cells so most of the time this is where they are extracted.
Procedure: 1-2 hours
-general anesthetic
-needle w/syringe is inserted into the bone marrow, marrow and blood are extracted
-500-1000 ml are taken from and adult (3-5 % of the marrow)

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The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer.

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How Different Types Work/ Why they are the Most Prized - BS

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How Different Types Work/ Why they are the Most Prized - BS

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Embryonic stem cells work when an egg is fertilized by sperm and an embryo is created. When the embryo is created, inside are the stem cells that have the capability to become any human cell. This is the most common method of stem cell research because these cells have the ability to create human tissues. This research has the potential to revolutionize medicine and improve the quality of human life. There is also the potential to cure many diseases. Embryonic is more prized then adult stem cells because there is more developmental potential.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) | stemcells.nih.gov

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It is now possible to reprogram adult somatic cells to become like embryonic stem cells (induced pluripotent stem cells, iPSCs) through the introduction of embryonic genes. Thus, a source of cells can be generated that are specific to the donor, thereby increasing the chance of compatibility if such cells were to be used for tissue regeneration.

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They are found in the placenta, amniotic fluid, umbilical cord, and the fetus have stem cells
Stem cells help create parts of the body like hair, skin, blood, and bone marrow after birth.
They create and repair damaged tissue.

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The most common types of Stem Cells are embryonic Stem Cells and adult Stem Cells.

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Research & Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing - GE Healthcare Life Sciences

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We offer solutions to support your work from biological research to clinical therapy, including tools for research, drug discovery, diagnostics and bioprocessing.

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Scientists from the Harvard Stem Cell Institute have come up with two ways to use stem cells that create certain types of neurons to help "regulate behavioral and basic physiological functions in the human body, such as obesity ... hypertension, sleep, mood, and some social disorders" (Harvard Gazette). Scientists all over the world are starting to get into the Stem Cell Research because it can potentially help treat a range of medical problems.This could lead us to possibly cure a number of diseases and then make treatment easier for patients. Some examples of diseases and medical issues that could potentially be cured are Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, Birth Defects, Heart Diseases, Strokes, Spinal Cord Injuries, and many more.

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Collaborating with scientists from New York, Toronto, and Tokyo, Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) researchers have devised two methods for using stem cells to generate the type of neurons that help regulate behavioral and basic physiological functions in the human body, such as obesity and hypertension, as well as sleep, mood, and some social disorders.

The work by Florian Merkle, Kevin Eggan, Alex Schier, and colleagues provides researchers, for the first time, with live hypothalamic neurons to use as targets for drug discovery and therapeutic cell-transplantation efforts for conditions related to stress, reproduction, puberty, and immune function, as hypothalamic neurons are often involved in those diseases as well.

"Not only is this exciting because of the science involved," said Merkle, a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of HSCI principal faculty member Kevin Eggan, who pioneered disease in a dish technology, "but by being able to produce this one type of neuron we bring possible treatments for a wide range of conditions closer to the clinic.

"The hypothalamus is an ancient structure of the brain," said Merkle. "It's very conserved, and that's because it plays such a basic function." Though it makes up only about 0.3 percent of the adult human brain, the hypothalamus serves as a regulator for numerous basic physiological functions.

Thus far, research exploring the origin or process of hypothalamic dysfunction has been limited because researchers haven't been able to observe live hypothalamic cells.

Merkle and a team of scientists from HSCI, New York's Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children, and Japan's RIKEN developed the two neuron-generating methods, "self-patterning" and "directed" differentiation, concurrently.

The new work has been published in the journal Development.

In his self-patterning approach, Merkle put 5,000 stem cells in a dish amid an environment conducive to survival and left them alone. Within a day, the cells would aggregate and "communicate with each other" to plan which stem cells would differentiate into which neural progenitors. The aggregate eventually differentiated into cells that, together, made a tissue-like structure similar to the hypothalamus.

When asked how the two processes differed, Merkle said that during directed differentiation the researchers "are pushing [stem] cells very strongly, guiding them toward a particular fate, and not relying on them to do it themselves." Merkle used small molecules to steer stem cell differentiation down a specific pathway.

"I think that there is definitely more opportunity to explore and refine directed differentiation to make different regions within the hypothalamus," said Merkle.

While working on their approach, Merkle and his team consulted with Rudolph Leibel and Dieter Egli of Columbia University, who were at the same time developing a directed-differentiation technique that used different chemical cues and pathways. Within the last month, they published their work in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

"It really has not been possible to study these neurons before, and now we have an opportunity to do that," said Merkle. "A lot has been done in mouse cells, but we don't know how similar [to human cells] they really are. There could be important differences that are relevant to human disease."

The ability to create lab-grown hypothalamic neurons also creates opportunities for drug development and cell-replacement therapies.

Researchers could use these new tools to grow hypothalamic neurons from patients with a specific disease. Studying the development and death from those neurons could provide researchers with the information necessarily to understand a disease's origins.

"There is a universe of diseases out there," said Merkle. "And our ability to study them using these stem cells is fundamentally limited by our ability to make those cell types in a dish."

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Collaborating with scientists elsewhere, Harvard Stem Cell Institute researchers have devised two methods for using stem cells to generate the type of neurons that help regulate behavioral and basic physiological functions in the human body, such as obesity and hypertension, sleep, mood, and some social disorders.