Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic Stem Cells Embryonic Stem Cells An introduction to the science, ethics and legislation Engage Stem Cells A Curriculum Resource for High Schools Sponsored by What is a stem cell?  Stem cells[.]

Embryonic Stem Cells An introduction to the science, ethics and legislation Engage: Stem Cells A Curriculum Resource for High Schools Sponsored by: What is a stem cell?    Stem cells can become other types of cells Stem cells can also divide indefinitely ➾ stem cell line Pluripotent vs multipotent stem cells Reproduced by Permission of Professor Rathjen of the University of Adelaide Embryonic vs adult stem cells ES cells come from ICM of blastocyst Reproduced by permission of the NIH    ES cells are pluripotent AS cells found in small amounts throughout body Most AS cells appear to be multipotent Why all the fuss?     Stem cells may be able to replace damaged cells in the body Today: lymphoma, leukemia Future? Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetes Promising animal studies Courtesy of The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research Reproduced by permission of The Providence Journal Sources of ES cells     ES cell lines Excess embryos from IVF clinics Embryos created for research by IVF Therapeutic cloning Reproduced by permission of the NIH Cloning   Reproduced by permission of the NIH Purpose of therapeutic cloning is to harvest ES cells for treatment ➾blastocyst destroyed Purpose of reproductive cloning is to make new person ➾blastocyst implanted in uterus Ethical debate   Harvesting ES cells destroys the blastocyst “This is murder” Reproduced by permission of Dave Catrow and Copley News Service Ethical debate, cont’d    Courtesy of Kevin Siers, The Charlotte Observer © 2001 ES cell research requires human cells Could create a commercial market for human cells “This devalues life” Ethical debate, cont’d  “If excess IVF embryos are being discarded anyway, they should be put to good use” Reprinted by permission of Chip Bok and Creators Syndicate, Inc Ethical debate, cont’d  Reproduced by permission of Gary Markstein and Copley News Service “Therapeutic cloning is a slippery slope - it will lead to reproductive cloning” Governing ES cell research Country UK US Canada Germany Therapeutic cloning Creation of embryos for research Use of excess embryos from IVF clinics Use of existing ES cell lines ✓ ? ✗ ✗ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓