Human Cloning Produces Embryonic Stem Cells

Editor's Choice Academic Journal Main Category: Stem Cell Research Article Date: 16 May 2013 - 0:00 PDT

Current ratings for: Human Cloning Produces Embryonic Stem Cells

Stem cells derived by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) have the potential to transform into any cell type, such as bone or brain tissue cells. They can be used to treat and help understand a wide range of conditions and health problems.

Stem cells come from two main sources:

Experts are describing this latest achievement as one of the biggest breakthroughs in stem cell research since last year when Isreali scientistssuccessfully created the first human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines that are free of animal contamination and whose production complies with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Lead author, Shoukhrat Mitalipov, PhD, of Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Ore., said:

SCNT involves removing the nucleus of a donor cell and transferring it to an egg cell that has had its nucleus removed. SCNT creates embryos which are nearly identical to those of the donor.

In the past, creating identical cells in this manner has been a major challenge. Normally a female germ cell begins to divide when it has about 150 cells - at this point stem cells can be harvested. However, scientists were not able to get to this stage before. In fact, many experts were starting to wonder whether it might be impossible.

The scientific team from Oregon Health & Science University managed to create identical cells "with stunning efficiency".

Mitalipov said:

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Human Cloning Produces Embryonic Stem Cells