Stem cell research lays a golden egg

Comment: SpiritLinks

Thousands of times a year, a single cell extraction from an embryo is performed to screen for genetic diseases. As of January 2008, the cell could be allowed to divide and the copy used for research without harm to the embryo.
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Current federal funding is prohibited for experiments that injure or destroy human embryonic stem cells and is limited to cells extracted before President Bush's declaration of August 9, 2001. Meanwhile, four hundred thousand embryos are sitting in clinics waiting to be implanted in the mother's womb or to be discarded – a practice of which no one has raised a disapproving eyebrow.

However, rapid advances in stem cell extraction methodology are quickly laying ethical issues to rest. As of January, 2008, stem cell research has laid a golden egg. Thousands of times a year a single cell is taken from an embryo to screen for genetic diseases. Advanced Cell Technology now has the capability to allow the cell to divide in a laboratory dish and use the copy for stem cells.

Dr. Robert Lanza, Advanced Cell Technology's chief scientific officer says, "As we've stated before, we believe our single cell biopsy technology directly addresses the President's ethical concerns … We are encouraged by the NIH's willingness to explore ways to increase the federally approved stem cell lines available. We believe that such consideration reflects the will of the American people to bring novel therapies derived from stem cell research to patients with few or no alternatives."

Even before this innovation, Dominican University of California was moving forward in training students to conduct stem cell research. "We cannot sit and wait for the controversy to be resolved. It is important to keep working on the cells while others figure out how to do the extractions," says Dr. Mohammed El Majdoubi, assistant professor of biology. Dr. Majdoubi and his students work with embryonic cells from mice whose cells are more predictable and less "moody" than the more complex human cells.

Dr. Majdoubi anticipates explosive progress in the field and teaches a 4 semester course in hands-on scientific research. The innovative program requires each student to conduct experiments, learn thesis format and present an oral and written thesis. He expects that some students will complete a project ready for publication.

In addition, Dr. Majdoubi, has co-organized a community forum about current issues involving the ethics, economics, policy, and science of stem cell research.

Dominican University has partnered with San Francisco Bay Area Zero Breast Cancer to present "The Promise of Stem Cell Research in Human Health," http://www.dominican.edu/stemcellconference, Saturday, February 9, 2008, at the Dominican campus in San Rafael.

"Our goal is to bring together internationally renowned stem cell researchers, public health professionals, public policy leaders, university students, and community members for an interactive exchange of information about the current art and science of stem cell research, social ethics and policy," said Dr. Sibdas Ghosh, Chair of Dominican's Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

The forum will highlight the abundance of stem cell research being conducted throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Discussions will focus on the potential benefits of stem cells as applied to diseases of broad community concern, such as breast cancer, fertility and reproduction, heart failure, and other diseases associated with aging.

"Throughout the forum there will be opportunities for meaningful dialogue and reflection among all those present," said Janice Barlow, executive director of Zero Breast Cancer.

Speakers and panelists include:

Kenneth J. Porada, PhD, Provost, Dominican University of California

Janice Barlow, Executive Director, Zero Breast Cancer

Keynote Presentation: Dr. Gilberto R. Sambrano, PhD, California Institute for Regenerative Medicine

General Overview of Stem Cells: Dr. Mohammed El Majdoubi, PhD, Assistant Professor, Dominican University of California

Fertility & Reproduction: Dr. Renee Reijo Pera, PhD, Director of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University

Breast Cancer: Dr. Mary Helen Barcellos-Hoff, PhD, Head, Department of Cancer Biology Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Diseases Associated with Aging: Dr. Xianmim Zeng, PhD, Assistant Professor, Buck Institute for Age Research

Biotechnology Perspective: Dr. Warren Hoeffler, PhD, Founder, XGene Corporation and Dr. Mary Devereaux, PhD, Director, Biomedical Ethics, University of California, San Diego

The conference presents an opportunity to educate the public on advances in technology, including single cell extraction, skin cell utilization, and creating embryonic-like cells. In addition to the opportunity to voice concerns and gain a true understanding of issues and potentials of stem cell research, citizens will learn of the economic boon to California about to be unleashed by bonds voted for research in 2004, which have finally been released from litigation.

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Diana deRegnier is a freelance writer and writes the weekly column SpiritLinks for United Press International www.ReligionAndSpirituality.com from the San Francisco Bay Area. Her articles appear in numerous Internet and print publications. Diana is also editor and webmaster for the non-profit program www.SpiritLinksNewsletter.org for spiritual explorers of any or no religious affiliation. © Copyright 2008 by Diana deRegnier.