Stem Cell Breakthrough in South Korea

May 20, 2005 4:59 pm US/Pacific South Korean scientists have taken a big step forward in stem research, customizing embryonic stem cells working with the DNA from patients with inherited diseases or spinal cord injuries.

The researchers started with an unfertilized human egg and took out the genetic material. They then inserted DNA taken from a patient's skin cell into the egg casing. The egg is stimulated to behave as if it's fertilized, and begins dividing, creating blastocysts or an early stage embryo. Five days later, stem cells containing the patient's DNA are then harvested from the blastocyst.

The hope is that stem cells can grow into any cell the body needs, and replace damaged cells. Since the DNA comes from the patient, these cells will be less likely to be rejected by the body. The cells may also be used to study disease or test new drugs.

"This report brings science a giant step forward towards the day when some of humankind's most devastating diseases and injuries can be effectively treated," said Dr. Woo Suk Hwang, one of the South Korean researchers.

These Korean scientists have perfected the technique, in part by using very fresh donor eggs and a much gentler way of transferring genetic material.

"South Korea is right now the center of the world as far as making these particular kinds of stem cells," said Dr. Zach Hall, interim president of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, which is the agency state voters set up last fall to fund stem cell research.

Hall says that while this technique will greatly benefit California stem cell research, the state's program is now bogged down by lawsuits and proposed state legislation.

"We want to do things to the highest possible medical and ethical standards, but I fear that we are going to be weighted down at the beginning before we can even get out of the starting blocks," Hall said.

By Dr. Kim Mulvihill