A Single Cell Can Grow A Full Line of Embryonic Stem Cells – Human Cloning Foundation

The Human Cloning Foundation (HCF) cited a recent study showing that the fertility technique called pre-implantation is an effective way of cultivating a full batch of embryonic stem cells using just a single cell from the embryo.

The HCF said a team from the Massachusetts-based Advanced Cell Technology (ACT) took a single cell from a mouse embryo when it only had eight cells and used that to grow a full line of embryonic stem cells. The remaining seven-cell embryo "developed to term without a reduction in their developmental capacity," Dr. Robert Lanza of the ACT told Reuters in a recent interview. "About half grew to pups in mice, compared to half of the untouched embryos implanted into mouse mothers," said Dr. Lanza.

HCF spokesman David Madrigal said this method addresses the concerns of opponents of stem cell research who believe that destroying an embryo to produce stem cells is morally wrong and whose continued opposition has "held back much-needed government legislation and support" for this medical technology in the United States.

"The ACT study shows that the embryo can survive despite losing a cell and, more importantly, that this single cell is enough to cultivate a full line of embryonic stem cells that can be used in research," said Madrigal. "We believe this research holds the key to the next great medical breakthrough of our time."

Embryonic stem cells taken a few days after fertilization can be developed into any type of cell in the body and have vast medical potential for curing a host of degenerative diseases and ailments, said Madrigal.

Contact:
Mr. David Madrigal
Human Cloning Foundation
www.humancloning.org
humancloning.david@gmail.com