Stem cells: the debate continues

May 2005

Laws relating to embryo research are under review. Stem cell expert Professor Alan Trounson discusses the implications.

Photography: Greg Ford

The government's recent decision to allow scientists access to unwanted human embryos formed after 5 April 2002 by IVF procedures is welcomed by researchers. These embryos are subject to state laws and National Health and Medical Research Council regulations that require their disposal if unused by the patients.

Given there are only a few thousand embryos, rather than tens of thousands, that qualify for research involving the proper consent processes, the intended sunset of this clause is sensible. Importantly, it will also allow scientists to apply for a licence to study embryos with severe genetic disease and form embryonic stem (ES) cell lines from them.

The study of ES cells that have mutations that cause, for example, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, fragile X syndrome or Huntington's disease may be critical for understanding these diseases and for developing therapeutic strategies and drugs that may contain their progression. These are very important research applications.

Review of the Prohibition of Human Cloning Act 2002

Scientists are unanimous in their opposition -- on medical, social and ethical grounds -- to any cloning that intends to produce a new human being (reproductive cloning).

The majority of stem cell research scientists are in favour of using a technique called nuclear transfer to produce patient-specific ES cells (so-called therapeutic cloning). It is argued that this will produce immune-compatible ES cells for cell therapy to correct serious diseases. This is probably correct, although other strategies may eventually be developed that either do not involve the use of large numbers of human eggs obtained by donation by women or address the immune compatibility of the ES cells.

The scientific interest in using nuclear transfer is to produce disease-specific ES cells from patients with cancers, neurodegenerative diseases and others of unknown cause. Cells from patients with, for example, motor neurone disease, could be introduced into eggs from which a nucleus has been removed to produce 'nuclear transfer embryos' briefly (five to six days), and then ES cells. These cells will appear to be normal but may begin to display signs of motor neurone disease. If this happens, we may be able to design therapies by drug screening to slow or prevent this. Other diseases, including cancers, could also be studied in this way.

It is very important for Australian research to be able to study disease-specific stem cells. Our ability to derive these stem cell lines for research, using animal or human eggs, is critical to the maintenance of a competitive biotechnology.

Others, including scientists in the UK, Singapore, Sweden and California, will have this accessibility and will lead the study of many of the most important diseases in the world. They will reap the benefits -- and their patients the rewards -- of medicines developed using these cells. One must remain optimistic that Australia will allow scientists to remain involved and competitive by altering the present laws accordingly.