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Presented at the University of Pittsburgh Third Annual Sustainability in the New Millennium Conference, April 5, 2003
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Stem Cell Research: A Promise Stem Cell Research: A Promise For Sustaining LifeFor Sustaining Life
Author:Author:
Justin RedpathJustin Redpath
OVERVIEW
Sustainability Defining Stem Cells Classifications of Stem Cells Types of Stem Cells Ethical Debate Political Issues Conclusion
Sustainability
Quality of Life– Makes life more enjoyable, less burdensome, or
life extending
Trade-offs
– The relinquishment of one benefit or advantage for another regarded as more desirable
Defining Stem Cells
All stem cells are defined by three main characteristics:– Divide and replenish over time– Unspecialized– Differentiate into specialized cells
Classifications of Stem Cells Three classifications:
– Totipotent• Ability to generate all
cells of an embryo and that support its development
– Unipotent• Only differentiable along
one lineage
– Pluripotent• Transform into any type of
cell in the body, except those needed to develop a fetus
Types of Stem Cells Embryonic Stem Cells
– Defined by their origin– Originate from the blastocyst– Proliferate by unlimited symmetrical divisions
without differentiating– Pluripotent– Clonogenic
Types of Stem Cells (cont.) Adult Stem Cells
– Primary function• Maintain steady functioning of a cell
– Also known as somatic stem cells
– Share two characteristics of all stem cells• Long-term self-renewal
• Potential to give rise to mature cell types which have specialized functions
– Contained in many tissues of the body
– Plasticity
– Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Tissues Containing Adult Stem Cells
Bone Marrow Peripheral Blood Brain Spinal Cord Dental Pulp Blood Vessels Pancreas
Skeletal Muscle Epithelia of the Skin
and Digestive System Cornea Retina Liver
Ethical Debate
When does life begin? Different Religious
Views Source of Embryos Human Cloning
– Playing the role of God
– Psychological costs the clone will bear
Political Issues
Bush’s Stance– Campaign promise
– Middle road
– Limited research
Government Funding– $250,000,000 for
previously acquired embryos
Conclusion
Stem Cell Research– New frontier of
Bioengineering
Sustainability– Deals less with
quantitative monetary costs
– Deals more with sociological costs
Ethical/Moral Issues
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