Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any further questions about stem cells or the work of NESCI, please e-mail: office@nesci.ac.uk
What is DNA?
All human cells contain 23 pairs of chromosomes, one set inherited from each parent. Each pair of chromosomes are made up of a long strand of DNA, which contains individual genes. Taken together, this genetic material of genes and chromosomes provides a blueprint or plan for the cell itself and for the body in which it lives.
What is Mitochondrial DNA?
The mitochondria are tiny structures contained within cells that provide the energy to cells, like batteries. Any cell may contain thousands of mitochondria, each of which has its own DNA, containing only 37 genes which are used only to make the mitochondria itself work (they have no influence over the DNA of the cell, so cannot effect the body itself, for example by changing eye colour).
Why is stem cell research controversial?
There is very little controversy about using bone marrow stem cells or other adult (somatic) stem cells, such as those found in umbilical cord blood. However, for some people, the creation of stem cells from embryos is unethical. Many people believe that human life begins at conception so they have a strong moral view that research should not use embryos. In the US, for example, research on embryonic stem cells cannot at present be funded by the Federal government – although some states, such as California, do fund this work and it is possible that the law will change in the future.
Do embryos have to be destroyed to make embryonic stem cells?
The embryonic stem cells are derived at an early stage of human development called the blastocyst stage about five days after fertilisation. This is before the embryo would implant in the womb. The cells are found in an area of the blastocyst called the 'inner cell mass', which contains the cells which may go on to form a fetus at a later date. The blastocysts that are used in this process are donated by couples who are undergoing Fertility treatment and have volunteered to donate fertilised eggs that are not going to be placed back in the woman's body. They would be discarded if not used for research.
Who governs this research and treatment?
All medical and scientific research in the UK is strictly governed by a variety of bodies, including the local ethics committee (www.corec.gov.uk) and the Department of Health (Research Governance Framework for Health and Social Care, (www.dh.gov.uk). In the case of eggs and embryos donated for a research project that is subject to legal regulation, a licence is required from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (www.hfea.gov.uk). New treatments are introduced in the UK only after appropriate research and under the principals of good medical practice. This ensures that patients are given full details of the proposed treatment including the risks and success rates. The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority regulates the production and use of products that might be derived from stem cells for use in treatments. Stem cells and any cells derived from them that will be used directly for treatment will be regulated by a new Authority to be established under the EU Tissue Bank Directive.
Can stem cells be turned into any type of cell?
Embryonic stem cells can and we are working on finding out how this happens. We also think that certain very rare types of stem cell found in cord blood can turn into any cell type. Adult stem cells are designed to produce one specific cell type only, but we are working to see how they can be re-programmed to maybe produce other types of cell.
Have stem cells been used to treat any human diseases yet?
Yes. They have been used in bone marrow transplants for a long time now. They are used to treat diseases of the blood, such as leukaemia. There have been some media reports that other stem cell treatments have taken place in various places. However, most scientists are sceptical of these claims and would wish to see more detailed clinical trials take place before they can be certain that the treatments claimed have actually worked.
When will stem cells be used with patients?
Clinical trials,using stem cells, which involve checking very carefully whether new medicines or treatments actually work, are starting in many countries at the moment. We expect that some of these will prove effective and that we may see their common use within the next few years or so. It is likely that the first therapies will use adult stem cells and that treatments based on embryonic stem cells will be further off.
How can stem cells be used to help people?
We hope that it will be possible to use stem cells to regenerate human tissues. In normal human bodies, stem cells work by renewing the cells, but sometimes this does not work for a range of reasons. Stem cell therapies would be based on using the power of stem cells either to work better at repairing and regenerating the cells they are designed to help or by re-programming them to make different types of tissue which, for whatever reason, is either damaged or the body isn't repairing naturally.
Which diseases will stem cells cure?
Potentially, any diseases which prevent the body naturally renewing itself or which have destroyed tissue are targets for stem cell-based therapies. The most likely targets at this stage – and those we are concentrating on in the North East - seem to be diabetes; diseases of the blood and liver; degenerative diseases of the neuronal system, such as Parkinson’s disease; and injuries or damage to skin and eyes.
Could stem cells have saved superman?
Christopher Reeve, the actor who played superman, was severely disabled in a horse riding accident some years ago. He became a passionate supporter of stem cell research, believing that it could lead to ways of generating neuronal cells, which could be used in the repair of spinal cords. Sadly, he died before the science could progress to this point, but it is certainly one of the possible outcomes that we are pursuing for the future.
Who will decide when stem cells can be put in patients?
Medical research in the UK is strictly governed by law, a variety of national bodies, and local ethics committees who review every research proposal at a local level. The process involves strict control over the basic scientific research, then moving on to trials in animals, trials with humans (clinical trials) and, finally, following extensive review, transfer into hospitals for general use
What is a stem cell ‘line’?
Once stem cells have been isolated, they are cultured, ie grown up using special equipment, so that there are enough of them to do experiments on. A group of these cells is called a 'line'.
What is cloning?
Some scientists have worked on a procedure known as nuclear transfer, which involves transferring the genetic material from one animal into the egg of another. If the egg is developed into an embryo and then grown, it will become identical to the donor. This process has been carried out in a number of animal species, including mice and dogs. The most famous example, however, was Dolly the sheep, who was successfully cloned in Edinburgh in 1996.
Can I create a clone of myself?
No! Cloning in humans is illegal in the UK and elsewhere. Some scientists have worked on human nuclear transfer, including a team in Newcastle who were the first to create a cloned blastocyst, announced in May 2005. But this therapeutic cloning can only be for experiments: reproductive cloning is not allowed and any embryo created by this process would not be allowed to develop beyond 14 days.
How can stem cells be used to develop drugs?
If stem cell lines were created in laboratories, they could look and act like human tissues. Rather than experimenting on animals, it might be possible to use these stem cells to test drugs on.
Who is leading the research into stem cells?
Scientists throughout the world are very interested in this work and new teams are being formed all the time. There are particular research strengths in South East Asia, the US and some European countries, particularly Britain. The UK has some real strengths in this field, with maybe half a dozen or so centres of excellence, including the North East of England. We are keen both to further develop our research and to link up with other scientists in the UK and beyond who are interested in working with us.
How can I help aid the research?
The most important thing is to understand the issues and talk to other people about them. We want to involve the public in our research as much as possible. We also have a charitable fund which helps our (often very expensive) research – if you can help raise money, please let us know. Finally, we are often asked by people if they can take part in clinical trials. Although we are not yet at this stage, we will of course in the future be looking for people to take part.
