My Gametogenesis Wiki

by Masnoo Adem

Article Summary:

This article titled “Nuclear Transplantation, Embryonic Stem Cells, and the Potential for Cell Therapy” is all about nuclear cloning. In nuclear cloning, a nucleus from an adult donor cell is introduced into an “enucleated oocyte to generate a cloned embyro”. Two uses for nuclear cloning are for reproductive or therapeutic purposes. In a reproductive process, the cloned embryo is transferred to the uterus of a female recipient, potentially growing into an infant that is the clone of the adult donor cell. In therapeutic cloning, the genetically identical embryonic stem cells are used for therapeutic application (ex: improving treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, blood disorders, or diabetes). 

The article goes on to analyze results from research conducted in some laboratories. For example, in the number of cloned animals that did live to birth, common abnormalities were seen (ex: defects in the heart, kidneys, and liver). 

Additionally, there seems to be potential for therapeutic cloning. Not only can therapeutic cloning prevent rejection since the stem cells are genetically identical, but can be paired with gene/cell therapy to treat genetic disorders. 

My position on stem cells in research:

I think stem cells are a great idea for research! Researchers and doctors alike are using them to better understand how diseases occur, create stem cell therapies for a number of ailments, and test new drugs. Stem cell transplants, aka bone marrow transplants, for patients damaged by chemotherapy or blood-related diseases have already been done with adult cells by doctors. There is some controversy about the ethics behind using embryonic stem cells but from what I've seen, I think that they'll allow medical professionals help more people. 

Reference link:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-marrow-transplant/in-depth/stem-cells/art-20048117