The news wrote:
Scientists have succeeded in reprogramming ordinary cells from the tips of mouse tails and rewinding their developmental clocks so they are virtually indistinguishable from embryonic stem cells, according to studies released today.
If the discovery applies to human cells -- and researchers are optimistic that it will -- it would offer a straightforward method for creating a limitless supply of cell lines tailor-made for patients without any ethical strings attached.
Three research groups said they accomplished their feat by activating four genes that are turned on in days-old embryos. Some of the rejuvenated cells grew into new mice, demonstrating the cells' ability to create every type of tissue in the body.
"This is truly the Holy Grail -- to be able to take a few cells from a patient, say a cheek swab or some skin cells, and turn them into stem cells in the laboratory," said Dr. Robert Lanza, an embryonic stem cell researcher and head of scientific development at Advanced Cell Technology Inc. in Worcester, Mass., who was not involved in the research. "It would be like turning lead into gold."
MIT biologist Rudolf Jaenisch, who worked on two of the studies, said there are still "lots and lots of technical hurdles to overcome." Some of the thorniest problems might take years to resolve despite the fact that mice and humans share many fundamental aspects of cell biology.
If the discovery applies to human cells -- and researchers are optimistic that it will -- it would offer a straightforward method for creating a limitless supply of cell lines tailor-made for patients without any ethical strings attached.
Three research groups said they accomplished their feat by activating four genes that are turned on in days-old embryos. Some of the rejuvenated cells grew into new mice, demonstrating the cells' ability to create every type of tissue in the body.
"This is truly the Holy Grail -- to be able to take a few cells from a patient, say a cheek swab or some skin cells, and turn them into stem cells in the laboratory," said Dr. Robert Lanza, an embryonic stem cell researcher and head of scientific development at Advanced Cell Technology Inc. in Worcester, Mass., who was not involved in the research. "It would be like turning lead into gold."
MIT biologist Rudolf Jaenisch, who worked on two of the studies, said there are still "lots and lots of technical hurdles to overcome." Some of the thorniest problems might take years to resolve despite the fact that mice and humans share many fundamental aspects of cell biology.
There's supposed to be a House vote on ESC research funding tomorrow and, hopefully, it will pass and not be held up by this.
Edited, Jun 6th 2007 2:21pm by Jophiel
