Embryonic Stem Cells Created from Human Skin: Breakthrough in Cloning Research

Scientists have made a breakthrough when it comes to stem cells. They've successfully reprogrammed human skin cells to become embryonic stem cells, which are capable of transforming into any other cell type in the body. The technique, which involves "cloning" stem cells, has the potential to lead to stem cell therapies, which hold the promise of replacing cells that are damaged through injury or illness and could eventually lead to the treatment of conditions such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, cardiac disease and spinal cord injuries.

The technique to convert skin cells to stem cells is actually a variation of a more commonly used method, somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). This common technique involves transplanting the nucleus of one cell, containing an individual's DNA, into an egg cell that has its genetic material removed. The unfertilized egg cell then develops and eventually produces stem cells.

In order to actually accomplish turning skin cells into stem cells, though, the researchers had to build off of a series of studies in both human and monkey cells. Previous, unsuccessful attempts by several labs had revealed that human egg cells appear to be more fragile than the eggs from other species. Therefore, known reprogramming methods stalled before stem cells were actually produced.

In order to overcome this issue, the researchers studied various alternative approaches that were first developed in monkey cells and then applied to human cells. More specifically, they found a way to prompt egg cells to stay in a state called "metaphase" during the nuclear transfer process. Metaphase is a stage in the cell's division process when genetic material aligns in the middle of the cell before it divides. By maintaining this state, the researchers prevented the process from stalling.

Although this new method builds off old ones, though, it also has a few added benefits. More specifically, it does not involve the use of fertilized embryos. This topic has long been the source of significant ethical debate. In addition, while the method might be considered a technique for cloning stem cells, commonly called therapeutic cloning, the same method would not likely be successful in producing human clones otherwise known as reproductive cloning.

Now, it seems like stem cells may be a reality for therapies in the future. Although a few hurdles still need to be overcome, researchers are optimistic.

"A thorough examination of the stem cells derived through this technique demonstrated their ability to convert just like normal embryonic stem cells, into serveral different cell types, including nerve cells, liver cells and heart cells," said Shoukhrat Mitalipov, the lead researcher, in a news release. "While there is much work to be done in developing safe and effective stem cell treatments, we believe this is a significant step forward in developing the cells that could be used in regenerative medicine."

The findings are published in the journal Cell.