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Breakthrough in stem cell cloning
06 October 2011
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Scientists have used a cloning technique to create personalised embryonic stem cells in humans for the first time, according to research published in the journal Nature.
In the past, cloning techniques have involved removing the genetic material normally found in the unfertilised human egg (one set of chromosomes) and injecting the genetic material from an adult cell (two sets of chromosomes). By introducing the new DNA from the adult cell, the egg starts to divide and mature. However, so far, scientists have failed to get these cells, known as induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, to grow and develop beyond a very early stage.
In this new study, researchers used 270 eggs from 16 female donors to try to find out what was stopping the egg from developing beyond a few cell divisions. They found that by keeping a single set of chromosomes in the unfertilised egg and simply adding the genetic material from the adult cell, the egg was able to develop. The egg matured to a stage called the blastocyst stage. At this stage the egg can contain up to 100 cells and can be used to harvest embryonic stem cells.
Dr Virginia Warren, Assistant Medical Director, Bupa, commented: “This is a really exciting development and a breakthrough for stem cell research. This research offers a new approach to developing working embryonic stem cells.
“However, the fact that the cells produced contain three sets of chromosomes, rather than the usual two, is problematic. These triploid embryonic stem cells are not regular cells and can’t be used in humans. Until this issue can be overcome and embryonic stem cells containing only two set of chromosomes can be produced, we’re still no closer to creating viable pluripotent stem cells. Even then, there still remain questions about whether these cells would be able to repair human tissue or have real treatment potential.”
The scientists will continue this line of research and hope to find ways of eliminating the extra chromosomes from the triploid embryonic stem cells. Their aim is to create stem cells that can be used in patients for tissue and cell repair.
In the study, genetic material was taken from an adult skin cell and transferred into an unfertilised human egg.
Key facts
- DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the genetic material found in all human cells and almost all other organisms. Nearly every cell in your body has the same DNA. Most DNA is located in the cell nucleus.
- Chromosomes are the organised structures of DNA found in cells. Chromosomes contain the instructions for life and are inherited from your parents.
- Stems cell are cells found in your body that help to replace tissue. They can transform into any other type of cell in the body and can re-produce to create more stem cells.
- Adult stem cells are found in tissue and organs. They multiply by dividing to replenish dying cells and repair damaged tissues.
- Embryonic stem cells come from embryos that have usually been fertilised at a hospital or clinic. They are not derived from eggs fertilised in a woman's body.
- Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are adult cells that have been genetically reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell–like state.
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Read the study
Noggle S, Fung HL, Gore A, et al. Human oocytes reprogram somatic cells to a pluripotent state. Nature 2011; 478:70–75. doi: 10.1038/nature10397
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