Summer 2007 Workshop in Biology and Multimedia for High School Teachers

Introduction to Stem Cells: Promises and Challenges

Embryonic stem cells Derived from the early embryo Totipotent = have the potential to form any type of cell in the organism

Nuclear transfer Embryonic stem cells can also be produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) The nucleus of an adult cell is transferred to an egg which has had its nucleus removed. This “egg” is stimulated to grow into an embryo This is what is commonly called cloning.

Adult Stem Cells Started on the path to differentiation Can produce several but not all types of specialized cells Found in low numbers in many tissues Often difficult to isolate Research on de-differentiation

Hematopoietic stem cells are currently being used

Currently---- Very active area of research Ethical and political concern with use of embryos Most stem cell research is being done with animals More research is needed before treating humans

Stem cell research may help treat degenerative diseases by Implanting cultured stem cells into patient Stimulating patient’s own stem cells Understanding disease process to treat it in other ways