Tuesday, March 1, 2011

“Stem Cells from Amniotic Fluid: Reprogrammed Amniotic Fluid Cells Can Generate All Types of Body Cells” - Science Daily, November 25, 2010.


Scientists have discovered that reprogrammed amniotic fluid stem cells can evolve into any kind
of cell of the body. Since they have this ability, they are expected to cure and treat many diseases
in the future, but ethical conflicts rise due to the fact that the main source for these stem cells is
embryos. Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin have been able
to convert the amniotic fluid cells into pluripotent ones and they are very similar to embryonic
stem cells, but the amniotic fluid cells are able to “remember” where they came from. Today, the
abilities of embryonic stem cells can be used in adult stem cells and it is done by reprogramming
these cells to then convert them into “induced pluripotent stem cells” (iPS cells). After this
procedure, the cells have the ability to reproduce endlessly and to evolve into any type of cell in
the body. Apart from their pluripotency, iPS cells can “remember” the original cell type “from
which they were generated” and during the reprogramming of these cells, there are genes that
can be turned on or remain active. Other results from the investigation show that the stem cells
that come from different tissues are most likely to follow their “predestined developmental path
upon spontaneous differentiation.”

"We don't know just yet whether this donor-cell type memory will have an impact on possible medical
treatment, or which type of somatic cell-derived iPS cell will be most suitable for treatment," cautions
Katharina Wolfrum of the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics.

Amniotic stem cells have several benefits over other types of cells, for example, the fact that
they are examined often to enable the detection of diseases. Also, since the fetuses are just a few
weeks old, they do not have many environmentally-induced mutations and are more genetically
stable.

"This may mean that it is possible to reprogram these amniotic fluid cells faster and more easily than
other cell types, making amniotic fluid-derived iPS cells an interesting complement to embryonic stem
cells," explains James Adjaye of the Max Planck Institute in Berlin.

Furthermore, amniotic fluid cells can be obtained for the cellular reprogramming and prepare the
cells for their intended use before the baby is even born and the pregnancy is going on.

"This would make it possible to test which drugs work for a baby and whether they are tolerated, before
that baby is born. Moreover, in the future, sick newborns can be treated with cells from their own body,"
says Adjaye.

What interested me about this article was the fact that it is about stem cells. Since this is an issue
we have already discussed, I thought it would be interesting to research more about it. Stem cell
research is a very controversial issue that is debated all over the world and has both its benefits
and limitations. I, personally, think that it is more beneficial than limiting because stem cells can
be used for treating and curing diseases such as, Alzheimer’s and spinal cord injuries, which are

diseases that affect many people worldwide and that still have not been able to find a cure for
them, so stem cell research is important to those people who suffer from these diseases. Even
though the main source of stem cells is embryos, I think that one life of one embryo is worth
saving millions of others with the researching for the cure of these diseases that may be treatable.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101122093347.htm

1 comment:

  1. Nice article...I am glad you have strong thoughts on this issue but you need to remember to stick to the format and write a clear connection to your life.

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