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 published 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 ethical strings attached.
The studies were hailed by scientists and social conservatives, who have frequently clashed over the morality of embryonic stem cell research.
Stem cell research: A graphic in Thursday's Section A accompanying an article about mouse tail cells reprogrammed to mimic stem cells labeled a part of a cell as the cell wall. That component is the cell membrane.
"This would be a win for science, ethics and society," said Richard M. Doerflinger of the Pro-Life Activities department of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, D.C. "It may offer a way for people of all faiths and all ethical backgrounds to study, use, subsidize and enjoy any therapeutic benefits of
Three research groups said they accomplished their feat in mature cells by turning on four genes that are always active 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 were 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.
But if those hurdles are cleared, reprogrammed cells could become the long-sought substitute for embryonic stem cells, which are at the heart of the nascent field of regenerative medicine.
President Bush and other social conservatives have long opposed human embryonic stem cell research because the cells can be obtained only by destroying embryos.
Government funding of such research is a top political issue in Washington, where the House is scheduled to vote on the issue today.
- Harvard Plans to Open Stem Cell Institute Mar 01, 2004
- Scientists explore new source of stem cells Oct 09, 2008
- Harvard Seeks OK to Clone Human Embryos Oct 14, 2004
