Re: Useable unuseable eggs

[Kathleen Cochran <cochrank@xxxxxxx>]

 Let's hear it for the land of single malts, haggis, and selkies!

Kathleen


 


 

-----Original Message-----
From: rayilynlee <rayilynlee@xxxxxxx>
To: PARKINSN@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Fri, 22 Jun 2007 5:41 pm
Subject: Useable unuseable eggs









Roslin experts reveal major stem-cell breakthroughÂ

ALAN RODEN HEALTH REPORTER ( )Â

A MAJOR scientific breakthrough in stem cell research was today revealed byÂ

Lothian experts in a move that could lead to huge advances in medicalÂ

treatment.Â

For the first time, scientists from Roslin have managed to create new stemÂ

cells from a clinically unusable human egg.Â

In the long-term, the development could have major implications for researchÂ

into illnesses such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, liver disease and diabetesÂ

as well as offering hope to infertile couples.Â

The breakthrough was made by Roslin Cells Limited, a spin-off company fromÂ

the world-famous Roslin Institute in Midlothian.Â

Until now, eggs used in research that failed to fertilise - and could notÂ

develop into a viable human embryo - were routinely discarded.Â

But with a major shortage of embryos available for research, today'sÂ

announcement means these eggs could now still be used to produce embryonicÂ

stem cells.Â

Stem cell researchers can study diseases and develop new treatments, such asÂ

drugs for the prevention of illnesses like cancer.Â

Because of their potentially unlimited capacity for self-renewal, embryonicÂ

stem cell therapies have been proposed for regenerative medicine and tissueÂ

replacement after injury or disease - although to date, there are noÂ

approved medical treatments.Â

Speaking at the annual meeting of the International Society for Stem CellÂ

Research in Australia, Dr Paul De Sousa - Roslin Cells' chief scientificÂ

officer - said: "Typically up to 30 per cent of eggs in an IVF treatmentÂ

cycle will be unusable as they fail to fertilise or do so abnormally.Â

"These eggs could not develop into a viable embryo and are thereforeÂ

normally discarded in routine IVF treatment.Â

"Until now, it has been thought that they are also incapable of producingÂ

embryonic stem cells.Â

"My team at Roslin Cells has been working with colleagues at the CentralÂ

Manchester and Manchester Children's University Hospitals Trust and theÂ

University of Manchester, to develop techniques to stimulate these eggs soÂ

that the cells divide and develop.Â

"Shortly after this process starts, we are able to extract embryonic stemÂ

cells. The new cell line which we have produced in this way, demonstratesÂ

that embryonic stem cells can be produced from tissue which was previouslyÂ

not considered of use to stem cell research."Â

Funding to support the work carried out by Roslin Cells and the team inÂ

Manchester was provided by the UK Medical Research Council.Â

Roslin Cells was established last year with initial funding of Â1.7 millionÂ

from Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian, with support from EdinburghÂ

University and the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service.Â

The body is designed to consolidate the expertise developed by the RoslinÂ

Institute, where scientists created Dolly the sheep - the first mammal to beÂ

cloned from an adult cell.Â

Dave Anderson, senior director of operations at Scottish EnterpriseÂ

Edinburgh and Lothian, said: "This development is another demonstration ofÂ

the world-class scientific expertise that we have in Scotland and itsÂ

potential to grow Scotland's economy.Â

"It not only has the potential to transform the lives of people sufferingÂ

from some of the most debilitating conditions but also to maintainÂ

Scotland's position as a global leader in regenerative medicine."Â

This article: http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=961032007Â;

Last updated: 19-Jun-07 14:09 BSTÂ

Rayilyn BrownÂ

Board Member AZNPFÂ

Arizona Chapter National Parkinson's FoundationÂ

rbrown@xxxxxxxxxÂ
Â

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