SCNT Facts
You should read the “Biblical Facts” before considering these facts. If you have not done so, please go “Back” and read that information first.
The most controversial stem cell research quest is somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT).
Quite frankly, when I started researching this science the word “nuclear” gave me visions of a process involving harnessed nuclear energy. Anyone involved in the process wore a protective suit and worked in a laboratory with petri dishes everywhere filled with ominous green glowing material! It isn’t so!
The goal of SCNT is to produce treatments for numerous diseases and injuries using the victim’s own DNA. The SCNT process is removing the nucleus (the part of a cell containing the female DNA) from an unfertilized oocyte (egg) and the nucleus from a somatic cell, skin cell for example containing the DNA from the victim of a disease or injury is inserted in its place. The egg is stimulated with chemicals and growth factors and the somatic cell begins to divide. Since the nucleus of the somatic cell contains a full set of chromosomes (the DNA from the victim’s mother and father), fertilization is not required. Approximately five days later the number of somatic cells has increased to about 100 and a blastocyst (thin-walled hollow sphere made up of an outer layer of cells) has formed around inner cell mass (ICM). Keep in mind these cells are not developing a fetus. They make single microscopic duplicates with the exact same DNA as the original skin cell. This is why they are called clones. The bastocyst is about the size of this period (.) when the +-100 ICM is removed. The ICM is placed in a petri dish containing a culture medium and the cells continue to divide indefinitely. Once removed from the blastocyst these cells cannot develop into anything but single cells. After the ICM is removed the blastocyst becomes nonfunctional and it is discarded. Outside of the female the blastocyst functions as an eggshell; it simply contains the dividing cells. Inside a womb it functions as a passage way for the maternal bood and nutrients to reach the cells. After multiplying, some of the ICM is placed in a different petri dish containing various chemicals that turn the cells into the diseased or injured cell types. Different solutions give rise to different cell types--i.e., differentiation. The goal is to differentiate these cells into whatever type of cell is needed--e.g., heart, lung, muscle, nerve cells etc. SCNT cells have exactly the same properties as hESCs, but they are donor-specific matches. These cells, created from the skin cell, match the DNA of the ill or injured person and will not be attacked and destroyed by the individual’s immune system. If this research succeeds, the waiting for a donor match or possibly the need for transplants could be greatly reduced and lifetime dependency on dangerous anti-rejection drugs may become unnecessary. It is also possible for these cells to transport drugs to diseased organs, deep into the brain, or nervous system, where surgery is impossible. Each cell type i.e., nerve, muscle, kidney, etc. (well over 200) requires a unique differentiation solution; however, once perfected, the formula for each type of cell will be exactly the same for everyone. Although no treatments have been developed the potential is there. This is what science is all about--trials and failure until you succeed.
I hope this has given you enough information to make an informed decision on these research endeavors.
