An explanation of stem cells and their potential to treat HD
What challenges are researchers facing?
While stem cell research shows great promise, researchers continue to face many biological, technological, and ethical challenges that must be overcome before innovations can be developed and incorporated into clinical practice.
First, more basic research must be done in order to fully understand the events that lead to cell specialization in humans. Currently, scientists are working to produce reliable, reproducible conditions that will direct stem cells to become the specific types of cells and tissues that are needed for transplantation.
Also, before mature cells derived from ES or EG stem cells can be used for transplantation, scientists must overcome the problem of immune rejection. Because these cells are genetically different from the recipient, their incompatibility must be minimized.
Adult stem cell research has also faced many difficulties, including finding, isolating and identifying the cells, growing the adult stem cells in the laboratory and demonstrating plasticity.
In addition to these technological challenges, researchers must also face the ethical controversy surrounding the use of ES and EG cells. If stem cells are used in clinical practice, researchers, doctors, and society at large must agree on acceptable ethical guidelines.
Last Modified: 5-08-03
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