CGS-authored
EAST LANSING - Michigan State University researchers have taken the
first steps toward developing a process that could allow scientists to
produce embryonic stem cells without using human embryos or even human
eggs.
A team led by Jose Cibelli, a professor of physiology and animal science, reported this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that they have identified the genes that are active only in the human egg.
Identifying those genes, Cibelli said, brings them closer to figuring out how eggs produce embryonic stem cells and to being able to duplicate that process without eggs or embryos.
Because embryonic stem cells can form any type of cell in the body, many researchers believe they have incredible potential for treating conditions such as Parkinson's disease, heart disease and leukemia.
But their use is controversial, because harvesting them involves the destruction of human embryos.
If Cibelli's research pans out - and he grants any therapeutic applications are five to 10 years down the road - it could render such issues moot.
66 likely candidates
"There is this magic...
A team led by Jose Cibelli, a professor of physiology and animal science, reported this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that they have identified the genes that are active only in the human egg.
Identifying those genes, Cibelli said, brings them closer to figuring out how eggs produce embryonic stem cells and to being able to duplicate that process without eggs or embryos.
Because embryonic stem cells can form any type of cell in the body, many researchers believe they have incredible potential for treating conditions such as Parkinson's disease, heart disease and leukemia.
But their use is controversial, because harvesting them involves the destruction of human embryos.
If Cibelli's research pans out - and he grants any therapeutic applications are five to 10 years down the road - it could render such issues moot.
66 likely candidates
"There is this magic...