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The following year, this method achieved a key goal of SCNT-based stem cell research: the derivation of pluripotent stem cell lines that have all genes linked to various diseases. [24] Some scientists working on SCNT-based stem cell research have recently moved to the new methods of induced pluripotent stem cells.
The most likely purpose for this is to produce embryos for use in stem cell research. This process is also called "research cloning" or "therapeutic cloning". The goal is not to create cloned human beings (called "reproductive cloning"), but rather to harvest stem cells that can be used to study human development and to potentially treat disease.
Nuclear transfer is a delicate process that is a major hurdle in the development of cloning technology. [5] Materials used in this procedure are a microscope, a holding pipette (small vacuum) to keep the oocyte in place, and a micropipette (hair-thin needle) capable of extracting the nucleus of a cell using a vacuum.
Cloning embryonic stem. The promise of stem cells, along with the controversy surrounding it, has made the industry a hot-button issue for many. Despite that promise, we have yet to see huge ...
Stem cell treatments. Work on cloning techniques has advanced understanding of developmental biology in humans. Observing human pluripotent stem cells grown in culture provides great insight into human embryo development, which otherwise cannot be seen. Scientists are now able to better define steps of early human development.
The reprogramming process that cells need to go through during cloning is not perfect and embryos produced by nuclear transfer often show abnormal development. [33] [34] Making cloned mammals was highly inefficient – in 1996, Dolly was the only lamb that survived to adulthood from 277 attempts.
Often these cells are stem cells that are used for gene therapy. Chemical based methods uses natural or synthetic compounds to form particles that facilitate the transfer of genes into cells. [36] These synthetic vectors have the ability to bind DNA and accommodate large genetic transfers. [37]
Cloning and stem cell research, although not considered genetic engineering, [11] are closely related and genetic engineering can be used within them. [12] Synthetic biology is an emerging discipline that takes genetic engineering a step further by introducing artificially synthesised material into an organism. [13]