STEM CELL RESEARCH Stem Cell Research

Stem Cell Research

Introduction

Stem cells are unique cells capable of differentiating into specialized cell types when required. Stem cells aid in the healing process of injuries by regenerating the lost areas of the body. Broken bones, ripped muscles, cut or scratched skin and other possible damages are covered with stem cells of the body. They regenerate forming into the specialized cells (muscle cells, bone cells, blood cells, skin cells, etc.) to make up for the loss. Stem cells are further categorized in terms of their sources; embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are derived from a four to five days old human embryo, which further divide and specialize to form different parts organs and other body structures. Adult stem cells, or somatic stem cells, are found within different types of tissues. These remain in a dormant state for years until stimulated by a disease or injury. U.S. doctors began treating for the first time a patient with human embryonic stem cells. U.S. doctors began treating for the first time a patient with human embryonic stem cells in a clinical trial approved by the authorities, a very promising therapy, but also controversial. This step increases the possibility of opening the door to an entirely new approach in medical treatment, he was prohibited since 2001 by President George W. Bush. After just two days after the inauguration of President Barack Obama, who had opposed the ban imposed by his predecessor on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, authorized the Food and Drug Administration for the company Jeroen American working in the field of biotechnology to begin clinical trials on patients who suffer severe injuries in the column spine. (Takahashi, 2006)History of Stem Cell Research United States

Targeted genetic manipulation addresses a problem that has been plaguing human stem cell research: the ability to cleanly and site-specifically modify the genomes of human ES and iPS cells. Realizing the therapeutic promise of these cells depends on such changes to fix disease-causing mutations before the cells could be transplanted into patients or to create cell lines that researchers can use to study genetic diseases. The so-called “disease in a dish” approach and the search for potentially disease-modifying drugs require the use of cells and controls that are genetically identical, except for a specific alteration whose impact can then be observed. Stem cells can be extracted from a dividing zygote or from an adult tissue. These cells are then placed in a controlled culture, which though allows them to divide and replicate, but prevents them from specializing or differentiating. The replicating stems cells are then inspected and the collection of dividing, undifferentiated and healthy stem cells is termed as Stem Cell Line. These stem cell lines are managed and shared with other researchers. These stem cells can then be stimulated to differentiate (Directed Differentiation) as directed by the researcher. (John, 2007)

Ethics and stem cell research have been severely criticized on several ...