Induced Pluripotent Cells as an alternative to Embronic Stem Cells

InFront

http://www.newscientist.com/channel/sex/stem-cells/dn12938-human-skin-reprogrammed-to-form-stem-cells.html

Is this an alternative to ESC harvesting? Researchers in Japan and in the US have successfully engaged in a process of nuclear reprogramming, turning adult epithelial cells into those resembling embryonic stem cells.

One downfall is that the retroviruses used to insert the genes that reprogramme the cells could cause tumors in tissues grown from the cells. But once this is overcome, isn't this a pretty sweet alternative to overcome the ethical issues surrounding embryonic stem cell research?

Tree

It would be great if the induced cells were able to work properly, but it's not likely to happen anytime soon. I have no objections to embryonic stem cell research in the meantime, most of the embryos are unwanted from fertitilty treatments and would just end up in the bin otherwise.

The fanatical prolifers <insert string of expletives> would have to find something else to moan about when the induced cells come online, it'll be the end of an era.

2Scoops

Scientists have already been able to produce most tissue types from endogenous progenitors. Unless these cells have the plasticity of embryonic SCs or can be cultivated in huge numbers and still maintain clinical usefulness, it changes nothing from a medical perspective. It does, however, provide a new line of inquiry for science. Baby-steps. It's also worth noting that the investigation is only translational - we've known about this stuff for well over a year.

The media is quite adept at reporting SC-related false dawns, though.