Researchers use CRISPR, a gene editing tool, as a new technique to ethically make stem cells from skin cells
Story:
Theme:
Researchers develop a better technique to create stem cells––embryo-like cells––without destroying embryos.
Explanation of the Technique
History/previous methods:
1. In 2006, Nobel prize winner Dr. Shinya Yamanaka developed a method to turn skin cells back into stem cells.[1] [Explanation: Stem cells are cells that have not yet differentiated, and can create any of the tissues and organs in the human body. Stem cells can be taken from human embryos (from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst). The cells Dr. Yamanaka created are called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).]
This was an important alternative to taking stem cells from embryos, which destroys the embryo. Technique required 4 proteins, that turn off the “skin cell genes” and turn on the “stem cell genes.”
2. A second technique refined Dr. Yamanaka’s discovery by using a chemical cocktail instead of the 4 proteins.
Current research:
3. Researchers at Gladstone Institutes (San Francisco) used CRISPR to directly regulate the gene. It can target a specific section of DNA, turn it on or off temporarily, permanently delete it, or even replace it. By pinpointing a single location on the genome, can trigger a chain reaction that reverts the skin cell back into a pluripotent stem cell. What’s novel is the targeting and activation of specific genes. Right now, the research is conducted on mice, not humans.
Advantages of CRISPR Technique
- More targeted. Precise regulation or editing of DNA.
- Probably safer. No “off-target” mutations
- Their research also revealed more insights about how to “reprogram” cells into pluripotent cells
Research Uses
- Potential to treat diseases that currently are incurable: heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, blindness
- Model to study human diseases
- Tool for testing new drugs
Ethical issues/benefits
- This is safer and more targeted way to make iPSCs
- Eliminates potential of introducing an unwanted virus into the cell
- Technique can be adapted for use with human skin cells
- Ethical alternative to using human embryos for research
- Also positive: It appears that this CRISPR technique could not be used to reprogram the cell into egg or sperm—which would be morally wrong.
Additional thoughts for Christians
- This is amazing! Research using ethically derived stem cells is advancing at breathtaking speed.
- Celebrate God’s good gift of creativity, the pursuit of knowledge, and the application of research to (eventually) treat serious human diseases
- Be thankful that there are new techniques to study and treat diseases that not only don’t destroy embryos, they are better, more efficient, and safer.
- Finally … two decades later, there is still confusion about stem cells. Some are ethical to use, and some are not. We oppose the use of destructive embryo research. All other stem cell research can be ethical (if they follow normal research guidelines).
- This is not a war on science, because we support the seemingly limitless possibilities for ethical research.
- Instead, this seems to be a war on morals, when researchers continue to demand using embryo destructive research, when it’s not doing much good, while ignoring the huge gains being made elsewhere.
California failure?
Meanwhile, very few successes with research and clinical trials using embryo stem cells. Charlotte Lozier Institute reports that of 36 clinical trials funded by the State of California, only 2 involved embryo stem cells. In the US, there are only a handful of trials underway, mostly for macular degeneration.[2]
- In 2004, voters approved $3 billion for the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine, aimed primarily at funding embryo stem cell research (ESCR). Emotional appeals from actors like Christopher Reeve and Michael Fox.
- More than 10 years later, there has not been a single success with ESCR. Most of the California (taxpayer) funding now going to adult SCR and iPSCs. Some promising research, but nothing approved by the FDA yet.
- Now, they are asking voters in 2020 for another $5 billion.
References
[1] Michaeleen Doucleff, “Nobel Winners Unlock Cells’ Unlimited Potential,” NPR, October 8. 2012. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2012/10/08/162496684/nobel-winners-unlocked-cells-unlimited-potential
[2] Eugene C. Tarne, “Near Absence of Embryonic Stem Cells in California Clinical Trials Program,” Charlotte Lozier Institute, June 21, 2017. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2012/10/08/162496684/nobel-winners-unlocked-cells-unlimited-potential