Advances in stem cell research

The following article is a brief review of some of the recent developments in stem cell research.
K.S.Parthasarathy

PTI FEATURE
HEALTH
PF-175/2008
VOL NO XXIV (44) November 1, 2008

Advances in stem cell research
By Dr.K.S.Parthasarathy

Scientists have developed techniques to generate stem cells in vitro. It provides invaluable opportunities to study human embryology.
Stem cells are “blank slate” cells which can divide and renew over long periods. They can develop into a specialized cell, tissue or organ. They can serve as a sort of repair system for the body. Past few years have seen unbelievable advancements in the field of stem cell research.
Medical specialists believe that stem cells have unlimited potential which can be used to return memory to Alzheimer’s patients, to enable wheel-chair bound patients to walk or to replace damaged skin of patients. The possibility of such miracle cures lies in tweaking the cells to develop into desired types.
Recently, researchers grew prostate glands in mice by using a single stem cell transplanted from the prostates of donor mice. The findings may pave the way to new therapies for prostate cancer (Scientific American, October 22, 2008). Stem cells are capable of dividing indefinitely. Cancer cells multiply uncontrollably. So it is reasonable to assume that stem cells may have a role in the induction of cancer.

Dr K.S.Parthasarathy is former Secretary, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board
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The researchers Wei-Qiang Gao and his colleagues from Genetech, a Californian biotechnology firm reported their success in identifying stem cells in mouse prostates in the British Journal Nature on October 22 this year. They transplanted a stem cell below the kidney in laboratory reared mice and found 14 functioning prostates from out of the 97 single cell transplants.
Scientists have developed techniques to generate stem cells in vitro. It provides invaluable opportunities to study human embryology.

A report by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the Institute of Civil Society (ICS) noted that human stem cell research holds enormous potential for contributing to our understanding of fundamental human biology. Although it may not be able to predict the outcomes from basic research, such studies will offer the real possibility to treat and cure many diseases for which adequate therapies do not exist.

“This research raises ethical and policy concerns, but these are not unique to stem cell research”, the report argued.

The report pleaded that public must be educated and informed about the ethical and policy issues raised by stem cell research and its applications. “Informed public discussion of these issues should be based on an understanding of the science associated with stem cell research, and it should involve a broad cross-section of society” the authors continued.

The report asserted that Federal funding for stem cell research is necessary in order to promote investment in this promising line of research, to encourage sound public policy, and to foster public confidence in the conduct of such research.

“Embryonic stem cells should be obtained from embryos remaining from infertility procedures after the embryo’s progenitors have made a decision that they do not wish to preserve them. This decision should be explicitly renewed prior to securing the progenitors’ consent to use the embryos in ES cell research”, the authors of the report proposed.

In 1998, scientists at the University of Wisconsin isolated and cultured human embryonic stem cells. This year scientists at the Universities of Granada and Leon confirmed that they can use stem cells from human umbilical cord blood to treat liver diseases.
In August 2008, researchers from Harward Medical School and Children’s Hospital in Boston, USA used a new method to re-programe ordinary cells from patients with ten incurable genetic diseases and conditions. These virtually immortal cells may be grown in the lab; researchers can closely watch the progress of the diseases; it offers an opportunity to develop treatment for them.
In view of the potential for misuse, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) issued stringent guidelines for stem cell research and therapy in India in November 2007. The guidelines prescribe the setting up of National Apex and Institutional Committees for Stem Cell Research and Therapy (NAC/IC-SCRT).

The ICMR guidelines address ethical and scientific concerns to encourage responsible practices in the area of stem cell research and therapy. “Since the latter is being contemplated with greater vigour in India, it was necessary to formulate guidelines for development of clinical grade stem cells” Dr. M.K. Bhan (Secretary, Department of Biotechnology) and Dr N.K.Ganguly (Director General, ICMR asserted in the foreword to the guidelines.

According to them, ICMR prepared the guidelines for stem cell research and therapy, for adult, cord blood and embryonic stem cells in response to the support provided by the Government to facilitate stem cell research in India so as to improve understanding of human health and disease, and evolve strategies to treat serious diseases.

The ICMR guidelines classify areas of stem cell research in to three categories: permissible, restricted and prohibited.

According to Department of Biotechnology (DOB), Government of India, over 30 institutions, hospitals and industry are involved in stem cell research in India. Clinicians and scientists are collaborating in a few institutions.

Stem cells are routinely used to repair corneal surface disorders at L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad. In the January 30, 2008 issue of the Scientific American, Larry Greenemeier described the pioneering work carried out by this institute

In an article published in 2006 in the Asian Biotechnology and Development Review, Alka Sharma of DOB summarized some of the other Indian developments in the field: Christian Medical College, Vellore has established technology to collect, isolate and purify stem cells for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. An institution set up by industry has characterized 10 stem cell lines, including two neuronal cell lines.

The National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, which received one cell line, has its research focus on embryonic stem cells; haematopoietic stem cells; treatment of leukaemia; sickle cell anaemia and skin and tissue engineering

Though currently the annual investment for stem cell research in India is only very modest, at a few million US$, the Central Government has plans to create centres of excellence, generate adequate human embryonic stem cell lines and to develop human resource through training, short and long term overseas fellowships etc. to support this nascent field.
PTI Feature
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