If True, This Changes Everything about the Embryonic Stem Cell Debate

Embryonic stem cells may be unnecessary:

Tuesday, December 13, 2005
U of L reports stem cell breakthrough
Adult cells found in mice can transform like embryonic ones

By Laura Ungar, The Louisville Courier-Journal

LOUISVILLE - University of Louisville researchers have coaxed stem cells from adult mice to change into brain, nerve, heart and pancreatic cells. That could lead to treatments for human diseases and end the debate over embryonic stem cells.

“We have found a counterpart for embryonic stem cells in adult bone marrow. This could negate the ethical concerns,” said Dr. Mariusz Ratajczak, leader of the research team and director of the stem-cell biology program at U of L’s James Graham Brown Cancer Center.

The next step is to replicate the experiment with similar cells identified in adult humans.

“It’s huge,” said Ryan Reca, one of the researchers. “It’s an amazing discovery.”

Others agreed, although they, like Ratajczak, cautioned that it’s early in the research process and that more study is needed.

If the cells from adult humans are found to act like those in mice, and other scientists can duplicate the process on a larger scale, the discovery goes from “very important” to “incredibly important,” said Dr. Stephen Emerson, chief of hematology/oncology at the University of Pennsylvania, where Ratajczak used to work.

It could lead to expanded research and “be transforming,” he said.

“This is a very important first step,” said Scott Whittemore, scientific director of U of L’s Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center.

Eithical and moral concerns aside (though I agree with those who oppose the use of embryonic stem cells), I’ve always thought of adult stem cell research (ASCR) as the blocking and tackling that needs to get done to win the game, and which has a greater chance of meaningful success. By contrast, because of the temperamental nature of embryonic stem cells, it has always seemed to me that a series of Hail Mary passes would have to be completed for any kind of breakthrough that would translate into human treatment to become reality. So it has alway seemed to me that ASCR would bring about the best short-term AND long-term results.

Since the area has become so politicized, the reactions of the players will be very interesting to watch.