Stem cell research: the facts, the myths and the promises

Stem cells, the potentially immortal cells capable of self-renewal, are the focus of research for the ultimate cure for degenerative diseases and the key to the mystery of human development and aging. No area of research since gene therapy has evoked so much enthusiasm and passionate debate as stem cell research. We present a glance of the current progress and controversies surrounding embryonic stem cells, and an overview of the evolving theory of potentially pluripotent adult stem cells.

We review and compare the literature on animal and human models that have provided the basis for significant research advances in recent years. The historical development and the most promising results to date are presented.

The embryonic stem (ES) cell can differentiate into cells of all 3 germ cell layers. The therapeutic potential of the differentiated cells can modulate the symptoms of degenerative neurological disorders in animal models. However, the tumorigenic potential and ethical dilemma of human ES cell acquisition trouble many critics and have led to federal regulations on the development and use of human ES cells. Adult stem cells may provide an answer to circumvent these ethical issues and hold great promise for the future.

While embracing the quest for advances in biomedicine, we cannot overlook the ethical responsibility to the patient and society. Regardless of the approach to harvest or culture stem cells human therapeutic application may still be years in the future.