ON THE CUTTING EDGE: One Gene Controls Adult And Embryonic Stem Cell Development
Adult and embryonic stem cells both have one gene in common that controls their ability to regenerate themselves, according to a new study published in the journal Cell conducted by scientists at Columbia University Medical Center in New York. The gene, Zfx, controls the ability of both types of stem cells to self-renew – dividing and forming new stem cells without differentiating into specific tissue types.
In its reporting, Reuters downplays the implications of this finding – and completely ignores the successful juvenile diabetes therapy using hematopoietic adult stem cells reported a couple of weeks ago:
Advocates say embryonic stem cell research may offer revolutionary new ways to treat conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injuries. But this research requires destruction of days-old embryos, and opponents call it immoral.
In adults, the body is replenished by adult stem cells that continuously generate all the cell types that comprise specific types of tissues. They may not be as malleable as embryonic stem cells but scientists think they also are potentially useful for medical purposes [emphasis, The Stiletto’s].
Never mind that to date, every useful tissue and functional cell (second item) derived from stem cells uses adult stem cells.
Comments