Stem Cell Research
...omes and high levels of telomerase (an enzyme that contributes to the repair and immortality of cells), demonstrating their pluripotent ability. Meanwhile, Dr. John Gearhart (John Hopkins University) and his colleagues extracted human embryonic germ cells from fetuses donated by women at an abortion clinic. The germ cells were in vitro for 20 doublings of cell growth in which they maintained normal sets of chromosomes. The cells then formed clusters that differentiated spontaneously and contained derivatives of all three primary germ layers. When injected into immune-deficient mice, the embryonic germ cells did not form tumors. However, in the year 2000 scientists in Singapore and Australia were not met with the same fate as their mice-injections did result in tumors (National Institutes of Health, 2001). Although there are problems to overcome in stem cell research, several advances have been made. Whereas adult stem cells were once thought to be less versatile than human embryonic cells, evidence now points to adult stem cells as being just as, or maybe even more resourceful than the latter. Extracted from the bone marrow in adults, these cells are considered one of the most promising advances in stem cell research. Nicknamed “multipotent adult progenitor cells” (MAPC’s), adult stem cells provide evidence against human cloning thereby eliminating moral adversaries. Also, it has been proven that MAPC’s can be grown in culture for over 120 generations without losing their capacity to differentiate into other tissues, this is more than twice the number previously thought possible for adult stem cells. Additionally, MAPC’s can be directed to form specific tissues from each of the three primary germ layers without the fear of tumor formation (Stem Cell Research, 2002). Advances are also evident in embryonic stem cell research. Labeled the “master cells” because of their ability to morph into any type of tissue, embryonic stem cells are of grave concern because of limited supplies. Scientists are constantly exploring different methods to increase existing stem cell lines and improve their shelf life. In addition, progress towards mutation control is also being made. Extracted mainly from human embryos at in-vitro fertilization clinics, embryonic stem cells will require much more research before they are considered ready for transplantation. Cord blood cells, another innovative approach, are extracted during human-birth by means of the umbilical cord. This newer method of obtaining stem cells is a promising alternative to the controversial embryonic stem cells and offers the same advantages. Scientists have discovered that the number of stem cells derived from the umbilical cord increases by “100-fold” when exposed to the molecule Delta-1. And although there is no explanation for the phenomena, an increase was also noted in the production of hematopoeitic stem cells (cells that evolve into any type of cell found in blood). Cord blood cells, generally stored at a cord blood bank until needed, are believed useful in the treatment of nearly fifty life threatening diseases. Cancers, genetic diseases and blood disorders included. Inasmuch, scientists are only beginning to study this latest stem cell resource (Coal, 2000). During his 2000 campaign, George W. Bush opposed government funding for embryonic stem cell research. Especially that which involved the destruction of live human embryos. A staunch opponent of abortion, Bush was reportedly “conflicted” about the issue, and in the beginning vowed not to use taxpayer monies to fund the research. In August 2001 during his first nationally televised address, President Bush reached a “compromise”, as many, on either side of the highly controversial issue, called it. Bush concluded, “we should allow federal funds to be used for research on these existing stem-cell lines, where the life-death decision has already been made” (Whitehouse.gov, 2001). For pro-life supporters this was a defeat. These supporters had urged the President to prohibit funding altogether based on their belief that the isolation of stem cells destroys the embryo, viewed by them as human. Proponents were also defeated, as they wanted Bush to approve wide federal funding calling for additional stem cell lines yet to be derived. Bush maintained that existing stem cell lines were sufficient for research purposes. The President’s guidelines for stem cell research as stated in his nationally televised address are as follows: · “Federal funds will only be sued for research on existing stem-cell lines that were derived: (1) with the informed consent of the donors; (2) from excess embryos created solely for reproductive purposes; and (3) without any financial inducements to the donors. In order to ensure that federal funds are used to support only stem-cell research that is scientifically sound, legal and ethical, the NIH will examine the derivation of all existing stem-cell lines and create a registry of those lines that satisfy these criteria. More than 60 existing stem-cell lines from genetically diverse populations around the world are expected to be available for federally funded research. · No federal funds will be used for (1) the derivation or use of stem-cell lines derived from newly destroyed embryos; (2) the creation of any human embryos for research purposes; or (3) the cloning of human embryos for any purposes. · The president will create a new President’s Council on Bioethics, chaired by Dr. Leo Kass, an expert in biomedical ethics and a professor at the University of Chicago, to study the human and moral ramifications of developments in biomedical and behavioral science and technology. The Council will study such issues as embryo and stem-cell research, assisted reproduction, cloning, genetic screening, gene therapy, euthanasia, psychoactive drugs, and brain implants.” (Whitehouse.gov, 2001) In either case, stem cell research will continue. However, federal funding forces involved scientists to report their findings, thereby increasing the pace in which cures are found. In addition, the government, via the President’s Council on Bioethics will be able to regulate how embryos are cultivated, handled and destroyed. This will greatly reduce the chances of underground operations for profit and political motivation, which is where the biggest issues begin. Currently, there are four ways to obtain human embryos and each has its set of ethical objections: fertility clinics, aborted fetuses, cloning and made to order. The practice of in-vitro fertilization has left thousands of redundant embryos stored in clinic freezers. Because embryos derived from this method as well as aborted fetuses would otherwise be discarded, many believe using them for stem cell research is the best compromise. Pro-lifers, believing life starts at concept...