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Q & A on Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Research in Embryonic Stem Cells at the University of Minnesota Q. Why does the work of the University’s Stem Cell Institute include human embryonic stem cells? A. Scientists at the University of Minnesota Stem Cell Institute study human embryonic stem cells because they have the ability to become any tissue type in the body. This is their great potential and promise for important new medical treatments and cures. Q. Where do embryonic stem cells come from? A. Embryos are donated for research. They come from fertility clinics where people have chosen to donate any of their unused, frozen five- or six-day embryo blastocysts rather than discard them. No embryos are created specifically for research use at the University of Minnesota. At the blastocyst stage, a human embryo is a collection of 50 to 100 cells, the size of a cross-section of human hair, which looks like this: Q. How can stem cell research benefit the public? A. Here at the University, researchers are studying the use of all types of stem cells for repair of damaged hearts, treatments and cures for Parkinson’s disease and stroke, as well as treatments for inherited genetic diseases. University doctors and scientists were pioneers more than 40 years ago, performing the first successful bone marrow transplant. Bone marrow transplants actually use stem cells, even though that was not completely understood initially. Today, the University enjoys an international reputation for our scientists’ work in bone marrow transplantation, pioneering work in the therapeutic uses of umbilical cord blood, and international attention for our work in adult stem cell research. University scientists and doctors continue to build on a strong heritage of breakthroughs in medicine and medical research including open-heart surgery, transplantation, and other types of landmark cell biology. Q. What are stem cells, exactly? A. Stem cells are parent cells for all the tissues of the body. Researchers do not know which kind of stem cell, adult or embryo-derived, will ultimately be the best cell for treating a particular disease. And lessons learned using embryonic-derived stem cells will be applicable with adult stem cells, and vice versa. Q. Is the University of Minnesota the right place to do this research? A. The University is a public institution, dedicated to the free and open pursuit of ideas; that is precisely why this research should take place here. And a public university provides rigorous public oversight and review of all research taking place here. All University research takes place under legal and regulatory requirements. To gain the best results in science and, in the long run, to help patients, our scientists pursue promising avenues of discovery. Q. How does the University ensure that embryonic stem cell research is legal and ethical? A. We take these issues very seriously at the University and work diligently to ensure all research is conducted respectfully, in full accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, and respect for the moral and ethical questions surrounding the research. The University understands that some may have concerns about this research and is prepared to engage in a dialogue about the legal, ethical, and moral issues of this research. Q. Are there limits to research done at the University of Minnesota? A. All new research proposals in the area of human embryo research or human embryonic stem cell research must be approved before beginning by a human Embryonic Stem Cell and human embryo Research Oversight (ESCRO) committee. This committee has been set up in accordance with National Research Council guidelines and is responsible for assessing both the scientific merit and the ethical justification of proposals. Public research universities exist to pursue new knowledge that can improve life or the quality of life for our communities. In general, this University will pursue all research that is legal, that is ethical, that receives funding, and that is of academic or research value to faculty of the University. Q. Did the University stop doing research with embryonic stem cells during the federal-funding ban from 2001 to 2009? A. No. Following the ban, after nearly two years of internal review, consultation, and discussion, the University’s continued to conduct embryonic stem cell research with private funding. In addition, no state dollars supported this research. Q. What is expected with the lifting of the ban on federal funding? A. We expect this decision will lead to more funding from the federal government. Another federal law, however, still prohibits using federal funds to create new embryonic stem cell lines. New NIH guidelines were issued on July 6, 2009. Q. Why are scientists interested in expanding the number of lines eligible for federal funding? A. Existing stem cell lines represent only a tiny fraction of the human gene pool; they do not represent the diversity of the human population or the diversity of human illness. In addition, some existing cell lines are contaminated with mouse cells and are not likely useful for treating human patients. Q. Where can I go for more scientific information about stem cells?
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