Reprogrammed stem cells can have mutations
Adult stem cells may be in some doubt
Adult cells that have been reprogrammed into stem cells may harbour genetic mutations, some of them cancerous. In two studies published last week in Nature, researchers analysed the genome of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells – adult cells that have been chemically or genetically converted back to the stem cell state. These cells have drawn intense interest from scientists and the public alike as a potential alternative to embryonic stem cells. iPS cells, like embryonic stem cells, can develop into any type of tissue, making them a strong candidate for cell-replacement therapies. They are also a genetic match to the patient and won’t be rejected.
“As we think about using [these] cells for therapy, we will want to consider what kinds of screening tests we want to do,” says Lawrence Goldstein, a specialist in embryonic stem cells. One of the major concerns about stem-cell-based therapies has been whether they carry a risk of cancer – both stem cells and cancer cells are set apart by their ability to continually divide.
It is unclear why iPS cells have such a high mutation rate. Researchers discovered that roughly half the mutations occurred before reprogramming and could be found in a few cells in the initial population from which the iPS cells were derived. Others may have occurred during the reprogramming process or while the newly formed iPS cells were growing. The researchers are now preparing to conduct similar tests on embryonic stem cells. ~ Technology Review, Mar 3
“As we think about using [these] cells for therapy, we will want to consider what kinds of screening tests we want to do,” says Lawrence Goldstein, a specialist in embryonic stem cells. One of the major concerns about stem-cell-based therapies has been whether they carry a risk of cancer – both stem cells and cancer cells are set apart by their ability to continually divide.
It is unclear why iPS cells have such a high mutation rate. Researchers discovered that roughly half the mutations occurred before reprogramming and could be found in a few cells in the initial population from which the iPS cells were derived. Others may have occurred during the reprogramming process or while the newly formed iPS cells were growing. The researchers are now preparing to conduct similar tests on embryonic stem cells. ~ Technology Review, Mar 3
Reprogrammed stem cells can have mutations
Jared Yee
adult stem cells
stem cells
Latest posts by Mumbai (see all)
- Prescribe morning-after pills to young teenagers, say US pediatric group - November 30, 2012
- Bahrain sentences protest docs to prison - November 28, 2012
- Terry Pratchett assisted suicide documentary wins International Emmy - November 27, 2012
More Stories
BioEdge has closed its doors
After 23 years, BioEdge ceased published in May 2024. Not that there isn't lots to report on and talk about,...
How liberal are American bioethicists?
There is growing acknowledgement of the fact that the backgrounds, ideas, and politics of American academics are out of step...
Doctors can be socialized to cooperate in morally despicable evil, says bioethicist
Bioethicist Carl Elliott seems to relish stirring up fellow bioethicists and the medical profession. In his latest book, The Occasional Human...
3 sperm donors from same family in Quebec have sired 600 children
Three men in Quebec from the same family have fathered more than 600 children by offering free sperm on the...
American IVF clinics are happily offering sex selection
The United States is one of the few countries where IVF sex selection is legal – and it is a...
Owner of castration website in UK found guilty of grievous bodily harm
“Enhancement” normally connotes adding powers beyond normal human functioning. However, there are dark kinds of enhancement which remove them. A...