Stem Cell Research Created By: Michelle Gay Joyce Marie Sison Courtney Garcia Marie Montamabadou Diana Centurion

1. Identify the Ethical Issue Stem cell research is a controversial topic because it uses cells retrieved from fertilized eggs. The creation of a human embryonic stem cell line requires the destruction of a human embryo. People who show opposition to this type of research, such as Pro-life activists, are concerned with the rights and status of the embryo as an early-aged human life.

2. What are the facts? Three Sources of Stem Cells: Adult Stem Cells Adult Stem Cells Umbilical Cord Stem Cells Umbilical Cord Stem Cells Embryonic Stem Cells Embryonic Stem Cells The primary role of adult stem cells in humans is to maintain and repair the tissue in which they are found. The primary role of adult stem cells in humans is to maintain and repair the tissue in which they are found. Embryonic stem cells are obtained by harvesting living embryos which are generally 5-7 days old. Embryonic stem cells are obtained by harvesting living embryos which are generally 5-7 days old.

Adult Stem Cells Undifferentiated cells found among differentiated cells in a tissue or organ; has the ability to renew itself Undifferentiated cells found among differentiated cells in a tissue or organ; has the ability to renew itself Rare in mature tissues, making isolation challenging Rare in mature tissues, making isolation challenging Roles: maintain and repair the tissue where they are found Roles: maintain and repair the tissue where they are found Extracted from either bone marrow or peripheral system Extracted from either bone marrow or peripheral system Superior to both umbilical cord and embryonic stem cells Superior to both umbilical cord and embryonic stem cells Believed less likely to initiate rejection after transplantation Believed less likely to initiate rejection after transplantation

Umbilical Cord Cells Extracted during pregnancy and stored in cryogenic cell banks as a type of insurance policy for future use on behalf of the newborn Extracted during pregnancy and stored in cryogenic cell banks as a type of insurance policy for future use on behalf of the newborn It can also be used by the mother, father or others It can also be used by the mother, father or others Donation and storage process is similar to blood banks Donation and storage process is similar to blood banks The richest source of stem cells The richest source of stem cells

Embryonic Stem Cells They are undifferentiated (unspecialized) pluripotent cells – has the ability to give rise to most, but not all, tissues of an organism They are undifferentiated (unspecialized) pluripotent cells – has the ability to give rise to most, but not all, tissues of an organism They are hollow, microscopic ball of cells that are typically four to five days old post fertilization (blastocyst – cluster of cells) They are hollow, microscopic ball of cells that are typically four to five days old post fertilization (blastocyst – cluster of cells) Their plasticity and potentially unlimited capacity for self-renewal makes ES cell therapy ideal for regenerative medicine and tissue replacement Their plasticity and potentially unlimited capacity for self-renewal makes ES cell therapy ideal for regenerative medicine and tissue replacement Diseases that might be treated through stem cell transplantation include: Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, diabetes, traumatic spinal cord injury, Purkinje cell degeneration, Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, heart disease, vision and hearing loss Diseases that might be treated through stem cell transplantation include: Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, diabetes, traumatic spinal cord injury, Purkinje cell degeneration, Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, heart disease, vision and hearing loss

Facts continued Stem cells have the ability to develop into other cell types. Stem cells have the ability to develop into other cell types. Stem cells can divide and produce more stem cells. Stem cells can divide and produce more stem cells. Stem cells are central to three processes in an organism: development, repair of adult tissue and cancer. Stem cells are central to three processes in an organism: development, repair of adult tissue and cancer. Plasticity is a newly recognized ability of stem cells to expand their potential beyond the tissue from which they are derived. Plasticity is a newly recognized ability of stem cells to expand their potential beyond the tissue from which they are derived. Plasticity Transdifferentiation is the direct conversion of one cell type to another. Transdifferentiation is the direct conversion of one cell type to another. Transdifferentiation Cell fusion: ES cells can fuse in vitro with neuronal cells and with hematopoietic stem cells. Cell fusion: ES cells can fuse in vitro with neuronal cells and with hematopoietic stem cells. Cell fusion Cell fusion

3. What is the perspective of all stakeholders? Scientists Scientists Research could aid in medical cures Research could aid in medical cures Research could provide better understanding of how genetics work Research could provide better understanding of how genetics work Patients Patients Research could find cures for currently incurable ailments Research could find cures for currently incurable ailments Research could find genetic ways to prevent certain conditions Research could find genetic ways to prevent certain conditions Donors of fertilized eggs Donors of fertilized eggs May feel that eggs should not be used in this capacity May feel that eggs should not be used in this capacity

4. What are the options in the case? Ban stem cell research all together Ban stem cell research all together Compromise and only use fertilized eggs that will be discarded anyway Compromise and only use fertilized eggs that will be discarded anyway Pass specific laws and policies for using new fertilized eggs Pass specific laws and policies for using new fertilized eggs

Why stem cell research should not be allowed? Senate Bill 169 defines a living human embryo as a person and prohibits the destruction of an embryo for any reason, such as scientific research. Senate Bill 169 defines a living human embryo as a person and prohibits the destruction of an embryo for any reason, such as scientific research. The bill would also prevent a couple who decided they no longer wanted to try to become pregnant from being able to dispose of their frozen embryos kept at a fertility clinic. The bill would also prevent a couple who decided they no longer wanted to try to become pregnant from being able to dispose of their frozen embryos kept at a fertility clinic. Supporters say it’s an attempt to respect life, even that of a 6-day-old human embryo that might have a chance to live if placed inside a woman. Supporters say it’s an attempt to respect life, even that of a 6-day-old human embryo that might have a chance to live if placed inside a woman. Opponents of stem cell research argue that embryonic stem cell technologies begin a slippery slope to reproductive cloning and could eventually devalue human life. Opponents of stem cell research argue that embryonic stem cell technologies begin a slippery slope to reproductive cloning and could eventually devalue human life. Additionally, staunch opponents of abortion argue that a human embryo is a human life and is therefore entitled to protection. Additionally, staunch opponents of abortion argue that a human embryo is a human life and is therefore entitled to protection. The bill would prohibit couples from donating their embryos to science or discarding them. The bill would prohibit couples from donating their embryos to science or discarding them. It would place patients in an uncertain situation, paying about $500 per year to preserve embryos they no longer need It would place patients in an uncertain situation, paying about $500 per year to preserve embryos they no longer need

Why allow stem cell research? Through expanded stem cell research, we will effectively prevent newborns from having to live out a life with defects that could have otherwise been prevented. Through expanded stem cell research, we will effectively prevent newborns from having to live out a life with defects that could have otherwise been prevented. The removal of Bush's stem-cell research limitations gives scientists a platform to test how safe it is for mothers to take certain kinds of drugs during their pregnancy. The removal of Bush's stem-cell research limitations gives scientists a platform to test how safe it is for mothers to take certain kinds of drugs during their pregnancy. Proponents of stem cell research say embryonic cells hold the potential to find cures to many serious diseases, such as: Proponents of stem cell research say embryonic cells hold the potential to find cures to many serious diseases, such as: Diabetes Diabetes Parkinson’s disease Parkinson’s disease Therapy for spinal cord injuries Therapy for spinal cord injuries The cells have the ability to morph into any kind of cell in the human body. The cells have the ability to morph into any kind of cell in the human body.

5. What should I do? Stem cell research has great promises in curing and understanding diseases. It is ethical as long as it is based on current research and controlled with laws. A human embryo is equal to a human life and that embryos are worthy of the same protection laws as other human beings. Studies have shown that adult stem cells produce the same benefits as embryonic cells but are less controversial.

6. What justifies your choice? There is an opportunity available for possible cures for diseases that people are suffering from. Also, with the evidence that some adult stem cells may have plasticity and may be able to transform into different cell types, embryonic stem cells wouldn’t have to be used anymore.

7. How could this ethical problem have been prevented? The problem could not have been avoided because there is a constant debate as to whether stem cells aide in the cure of diseases or not. The major issue is directed at the embryonic cells, many people believe that life is being taken away from the cells; yet scientist would like to advance in the study of medicine at any cost.

References Wilcox, G. (April 6, 2009). College Media Network. Stem cell research reversal Wilcox, G. (April 6, 2009). College Media Network. Stem cell research reversal good news. Outdated Bush-era limitations removed.