Potentiality of embryonic stem cells: an ethical problem even with alternative stem cell sources

Denker, Hans‐Werner

doi:10.1136/jme.2005.014738

Cited by 73 publications

(48 citation statements)

References 30 publications

(18 reference statements)

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…The open chromatin conformation seen at multiple promoter regions in ES cells also suggests the rationale for open chromatin structure in stem cells. Adults stem cells are also a potentially safer cell source, compared to embryonic stem cells, which are known to form teratomas, a specific type of tumour consisting of derivatives of all three germ layers when implanted into ectopic sites [49,50]. This effect has not been reported following implantation of adult stem (progenitor) cells.…”

Section: Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biologymentioning

confidence: 97%

Stem Cells: Epigenetic Basis of Differentiation

Williams¹,

Mitchell²,

Hardikar

2011

TOSCJ

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Generation of mature differentiated cells is essential for the treatment of several diseases that depend on cell replacement therapies. With the growing knowledge of transcriptome diversity in cells, increased understanding now exists on the potential to inter-convert a specialized cell type into a differentiated cell of another lineage (transdifferentiation). Transcription in terminally committed cells is controlled by many extracellular and intracellular components and the intrinsic structure and confirmation of the DNA itself (the epigenome). The patterns of these modifications in differentiated cells are generally stable and heritable with characteristic modification patterns reflecting the phenotype they acquire during differentiation. Adult tissue-derived stem or progenitor cells possess inherent traits that result in "commitment" to a particular phenotype, demonstrated by their relatively restricted differentiation capacity. Adult tissue-derived stem cell populations represent a source of cells that would predictably require fewer manipulations to achieve an alternative, differentiated phenotype. By characterising cells with respect to epigenetic patterns, it may be possible to identify stem / progenitor cells that are poised to differentiate towards a particular lineage. Assessing the chromatin compactness at gene promoter regions may assist in identifying mechanisms for inducing cells to adopt a specific phenotype with increased efficiency of differentiation.

show abstract

Section: Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biologymentioning

confidence: 97%

Stem Cells: Epigenetic Basis of Differentiation

Williams¹,

Mitchell²,

Hardikar

2011

TOSCJ

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…But as has been pointed out in a penetrating analysis by Hans-Werner Denker, this empirical claim and premise is not necessarily true [Denker, 2004[Denker, , 2006. There are a number of possible ways in which stem cells could be made into embryos and some of them are quite likely to work in humans.…”

Section: More Potential -More Problems?mentioning

confidence: 99%

‘New Embryos’ – New Challenges for the Ethics of Stem Cell Research

Holm¹

2008

Cells Tissues Organs

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Among the many ethical issues raised by human embryonic stem cell research (in the following all references to ‘stem cells’ should be read as references to human embryonic stem cells), two have gained specific prominence: (1) whether stem cell research is ethically problematic because it entails the destruction of human embryos and (2) what kind of control embryo donors should have over the stem cell lines derived from their embryos. In the present paper, I will analyse how these two issues are engaged by various attempts to derive stem cells from anomalous embryos (e.g. embryos in cleavage arrest, embryos not implanted following pre-implantation genetic diagnosis or embryos created by altered nuclear transfer) or in ways that are claimed to be non-destructive for the embryo (e.g. blastocyst or blastomere biopsy).

show abstract

“…Secondly, potential adverse effects of transplanted stem cells, such as tumor formation, must be avoided. Grafted ESCs may generate teratocarcinomas (Erdo et al, 2003;Asano et al, 2006) and teratomas (Denker, 2006). Although differentiated progeny of ESCs are not tumorigenic, there is an absolute need to assess the tumorigenic potential of a pre-differentiated ESC culture in immune-compromised pre-clinical models before they can be considered as clinically safe .…”

Section: Problems In Transplantationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Stem Cells: Current Approach and Future Prospects in Spinal Cord Injury Repair

Zhang

Huang²,

Qian

et al. 2010

The Anatomical Record

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Spinal cord injury (SCI) invariably results in the loss of neurons and axonal degeneration at the lesion site, leading to permanent paralysis and loss of sensation. There has been no successful treatment for severe spinal cord injuries to recover back to normal function yet. Studies have shown that the transplantation of stem cells may provide an effective treatment for SCI because of the self-renewing and multipotential nature of these cells. Stem cells have the capability to repair injured nervous tissue through replacement of damaged cells, neuroprotection, or the creation of an environment conducive to regeneration by endogenous cells. Up to today several types of stem cells have been transplanted into the injured spinal cord. However, the question of which cell type is most beneficial for SCI treatment is still unresolved. There are still several limitations to the current data sets which require further investigation. Anat Rec, 293:519-530, 2010. V V C 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

show abstract

Potentiality of embryonic stem cells: an ethical problem even with alternative stem cell sources

Cited by 73 publications

References 30 publications

Stem Cells: Epigenetic Basis of Differentiation

Stem Cells: Epigenetic Basis of Differentiation

‘New Embryos’ – New Challenges for the Ethics of Stem Cell Research

Stem Cells: Current Approach and Future Prospects in Spinal Cord Injury Repair

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About