Adult Stem-Cell Breakthrough Seen Weakening Case for Embryonic Cells

BOSTON (CNS) - Researchers at Caritas St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Boston have identified adult stem cells that may have the capacity to repair and regenerate all tissue types in the body, which experts say weakens the case for embryonic stem-cell research.

"This discovery represents a major breakthrough in stem-cell therapy," said Dr. Douglas Losordo, chief of cardiovascular research at St. Elizabeth's. "Based on our findings we believe these newly discovered stem-cells may have the capacity to generate into most tissue types in the human body. This is a very unique property that until this time has only been found in embryonic stem cells."

Losordo, together with Dr. Young-sup Yoon, led the team of researchers whose findings demonstrating the unique properties of these cells were published in the Feb. 1 issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

According to Father Pacholczyk, who lent a conservative view to the ongoing debate regarding human embryonic stem cell research, at the Church of St. Mary on Sunday afternoon, supporters of research using embryonic stem cells have long argued that adult stem cells were not as flexible as embryonic stem cells, thus making them less useful in repairing or healing damaged tissues and cells in the body.

"What appears novel about this report is that they have carefully derived a single cell type from the bone marrow, which can be expanded and used to flexibly generate a number of tissues," explained Father Pacholczyk.

"Adult stem cells are incredibly powerful," he added.


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