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ADVANCE Outlook: Lab Professionals

Stem Cell Breakthroughs

Published December 12, 2007 3:00 PM by Kerri Penno
In November, a team of researchers reported they had genetically reprogrammed human skin cells to create cells indistinguishable from embryonic stem cells. Time magazine recently called this and other stem cell breakthroughs the top scientific discovery of 2007.

The team, led by University of Wisconsin-Madison biologist James Thomson and Junying Yu of the Genome Center of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, found the induced cells did everything embryonic stem cells do, without the problems of immune rejection.

"They are probably more clinically relevant than embryonic stem cells," Thomson said. While more testing is necessary, and Thomson cautioned it is hardly time to discontinue embryonic stem cell research, he did say this about their discovery: "It's going to completely change the field."

What do you think? Are skin-based stem cells a welcome solution to the ethical debate surrounding embryonic stem cells? Or is this a win for conservative politicians, potentially leading to more political control over science in the future?

posted by Kerri Penno
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3 comments
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Though this is indeed welcome news...it is not the be all and end all in stem cell research. The reason for this is that in taking the genome back to a pluripotent state involves reactivating genes that have been silenced (many of them in a permanant manner such as methylation). Doing such can introduce mutations, and inactive conformational changes to the genome and transcription machinery. These conformational changes can be very subtle, such as having an inducer that is no longer about to induce the promoter as it new native form does not allow the linear sequence to adopt the correct secondary conformation. As with any scientific progress, claims to its potential must be made with cautious optimism.
Glenn , Molecular Biology - PhD December 23, 2007 9:03 PM
Chicago IL

Stem cell research is a topic that generates very intense feelings. It has political and religious overtones and has created some very strange bedfellows sometimes with individuals often moderating their views somewhat if their own family members have a disease they think could be helped by stem cell research.

This announcement is certainly a welcome development, but it is not likely to change the strong opinions on both sides. Also, at this time it is not clear how versatile or universally useful  "skin stem cells" will be.  From a scientific and humanitarian standpoint, this development is certainly welcome news.
Glen McDaniel December 13, 2007 12:24 PM

How is it possible to consider this anything but good news on all fronts be  it healthcare or a political point of view ? The lack of successful benenfits as a result of embryonic stem cell research sor far are  being defended  by the left hoping to protect what they feel is the right to any type of abortion . These same defenders  have  been ominously quiet in response to what can only be seen as a benefit to the area of all stem cell research.

John Walsh, Chemistry - MT (AMT), Baylor All Saints December 13, 2007 12:14 AM
Fort Worth TX

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