Open AccessSomatic Cell Nuclear Transfer in Oregon: Expanding the Pluripotent Space and Informing Research Ethics
Author(s) -
Geoffrey Lomax,
Natalie DeWitt
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
stem cells and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 114
eISSN - 1557-8534
pISSN - 1547-3287
DOI - 10.1089/scd.2013.0402
Subject(s) - biology , somatic cell nuclear transfer , embryonic stem cell , engineering ethics , somatic cell , research ethics , induced pluripotent stem cell , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , embryogenesis , embryo , gene , blastocyst , engineering
In May, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) announced the successful derivation, by the Mitalipov laboratory, of embryonic stem cells by somatic cell nuclear transfer. This experiment was recognized as a "formidable technical feat" and potentially a key step toward developing cell-based therapies. The OHSU report is also an example of how a scientific breakthrough can inform research ethics. This article suggests ways that nuclear transfer embryonic stem cell lines may contribute to research ethics by adding rigor to studies addressing pressing research questions important to the development of cell-based therapies.