Students look to continue UWs role in stem cell research

Since being the site of the first place to isolate stem cells in non-human primates, the University of Wisconsin has continued to pave the way for scientific research in the field.

Stem cells are a type of undifferentiated cell most commonly found in embryos and fetuses that have the ability to develop into different, more specialized cells.

Norman Fost, UW Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, said scientists speculate that stem cells could be used for understanding of normal and abnormal development, testing of drugs for efficacy and safety and tissue transplants.

James Thompson, director of regenerative biology at UW, first proposed the creation of human embryonic stem cells in 1998 after being a part of the first group to isolate stem cells in 1995. At the time, Thompson was the chair of the UW Health Sciences Institutional Review Board, Fost said.

Two UW committees developed the first guidelines for human embryonic stem cell research, which became the basis for the current U.S. guidelines created by an Institute of Medicine committee, Fost said.

According to a 2010 Harris Interactive poll, 72 percent of American adults believe that embryonic stem cell research, which uses stem cells harvested from in vitro fetuses, should be allowed.

Many students are interested in careers in stem cell research fields, including Anna-Lisa Doebley, a junior majoring in genetics who was recently awarded the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship that recognizes only four students from UW each year, according to a university statement.

Doebley said she first became interested in stem cells when she heard news reports about breakthroughs in the field.

I think that stem cell based treatments will transform medicine, Doebley said. These treatments will enable us to find cures for previously incurable diseases, reduce the dependence on organ donors and improve the quality of life for people suffering from all types of diseases.

Although Doebley said she understands there are some ethical concerns with stem cell research, she believes their potential to advance the field of medicine outweighs the ethical complications.

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Students look to continue UWs role in stem cell research