New improved stem cells?
Posted by Marcy Darnovsky January 9, 2007
Biopolitical Times
A few reactions to the news about stem cells derived from amniotic fluid:
First, there’s a lot here that looks promising. The Wake Forest University researchers who found this new type of stem cells say (Washington Post, Associated Press, San Francisco Chronicle) that they share much of the versatility and flexibility of embryonic stem cells, and have already been turned into a range of tissue types.
But unlike embryonic stem cells, amniotic fluid-derived stem cells tend not to form tumors in test animals, and not to trigger immune rejection. Perhaps even more significant is their immunity to political opposition; stem cell research sans embryos makes this virtually unobjectionable.
And, unlike stem cells derived from cloning techniques, research with these “new” stem cells won’t subject women to the risks of egg retrieval.
Stem cells from amniotic fluid also seem better than “adult” stem cells as they appear relatively easy to isolate and culture; they apparently grow as quickly as embryonic stem cells. This raises the possibility of stem cell banks with sufficient genetic variation. According to lead researcher Anthony Atala, 100,000 stem cell lines would “provide cells for 99% of the US population with a perfect match for genetic transplantation.”
But let’s resist another round of stem cell mania. Like other varieties of stem cell research, this one will require much additional effort in Petri dishes and animals before human trials can begin.
First, there’s a lot here that looks promising. The Wake Forest University researchers who found this new type of stem cells say (Washington Post, Associated Press, San Francisco Chronicle) that they share much of the versatility and flexibility of embryonic stem cells, and have already been turned into a range of tissue types.
But unlike embryonic stem cells, amniotic fluid-derived stem cells tend not to form tumors in test animals, and not to trigger immune rejection. Perhaps even more significant is their immunity to political opposition; stem cell research sans embryos makes this virtually unobjectionable.
And, unlike stem cells derived from cloning techniques, research with these “new” stem cells won’t subject women to the risks of egg retrieval.
Stem cells from amniotic fluid also seem better than “adult” stem cells as they appear relatively easy to isolate and culture; they apparently grow as quickly as embryonic stem cells. This raises the possibility of stem cell banks with sufficient genetic variation. According to lead researcher Anthony Atala, 100,000 stem cell lines would “provide cells for 99% of the US population with a perfect match for genetic transplantation.”
But let’s resist another round of stem cell mania. Like other varieties of stem cell research, this one will require much additional effort in Petri dishes and animals before human trials can begin.