What is a stem cell?
A stem cell is a cell that has the remarkable potential to develop into many of the different cell types in the body. Theoretically, stem cells can divide without limit to replenish other cells. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential to either remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, red blood cell or a brain cell.
What is an embryonic stem cell?
Embryonic stem cells are derived in one of two ways: from embryos that are the result of eggs fertilized in vitro – in an in vitro fertilization clinic – and then donated for research purposes with informed consent of the donors. Or they are the result of somatic cell nuclear transfer, which involves transferring the nucleus of a cell into another cell in which the nucleus has been removed. In the later case, the resulting cell is then stimulated to divide, leading to a group of cells called a blastocyst. The inner cell mass of the blastocyst is then removed and can be cultured to produce embryonic stem cells.
Is this the type of research that President George W. Bush approved in 2001?
Yes. On Aug. 9, 2001, President George W. Bush outlined a policy that allows for the National Institutes of Health to fund embryonic stem cell research, following four criteria. Those criteria include: removal of cells from the embryo must have been initiated before Aug. 9, 2001, when the President outlined this policy; and the embryo from which the stem cell line was derived must no longer have had the possibility of developing further as a human being. The embryo must have been created for reproductive purposes but no longer be needed for them. Informed consent must have been obtained from the parent(s) for the donation of the embryo, and no financial inducements for donation are allowed.
Is this the type of research that former First Lady Nancy Reagan supports?
Yes. Mrs. Reagan, whose late husband, former President Ronald Reagan, suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, has been a vocal proponent for embryonic stem cell research. In addition, there is bi-partisan support for the research among 206 members of the House of Representatives and 58 members of the U.S. Senate including members such as John McCain (R-AZ), Orin G. Hatch (R-UT), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and Trent Lott (R-MS).
Does this research comport with the University of Nebraska Bioethics Advisory Committee?
Yes.
How will Dr. Rennard use embryonic stem cells at UNMC?
In his research, Dr. Rennard proposes to use two of the embryonic stem cell lines that have been approved for use by President Bush. He will get these lines from the University of Wisconsin and the University of California, San Francisco. In his research, Dr. Rennard will put embryonic stem cells in a petri dish. There, he will stimulate them to differentiate into cells called fibroblasts that are important in tissue repair. He then will inject them into mice and study what happens. If these cells are not rejected, they could help to regenerate lung tissue that had been damaged, as occurs in diseases such as emphysema. If successful and following much further study, this approach then could be applied to humans with many pulmonary disorders, including asthma, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease and emphysema.
What is the benefit of this research to Nebraskans?
Potentially, this type of research could lead to the restoration of the function of damaged lungs. This is especially important in Nebraska, where agricultural work is an occupation that leads to disproportionately high numbers of lung disorders, including Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disease (COPD), asthma, and emphysema. These diseases lead to hours of lost productivity, a lessening of Nebraskans’ quality of life and, in some cases, death.
Why is embryonic stem cell research a worthy scientific endeavor?
Embryonic stem cells have tremendous potential because they are “pluripotent,” meaning that they have the potential to form all of the different types of cells in the body except those needed to develop the placenta. Stem cells that can give rise to a small number of different cells types, such as adult stem cells, are generally called “multipotent.”
Why not use adult stem cells instead of using human embryonic stem cells in research?
UNMC has been a leader in the development of research using adult stem cells, and it will continue to be on the forefront of this type of research. These cells are being explored for their ability to contribute to lung repair in other studies being conducted by Dr. Rennard. The capability of adult lung cells, however, is limited. Thus, UNMC also believes that there is great potential in human embryonic stem cell research, as these cells are thought to have much greater developmental potential than adult stem cells. In particular, embryonic stem cells may have the ability to form new structures, a crucial capability that adult stem cells, for example in the lung, may lack.
Are researchers at other universities conducting embryonic stem cell research?
Yes. Researchers at such world-renowned institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, the University of California, San Francisco, and Harvard University are using these cells for research. In addition, researchers are conducting embryonic stem cell research at many midwestern universities, including the University of Kansas Medical Center, the University of Missouri, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in Houston, the University of Michigan and the University of Wisconsin.