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Kwisda K, White L, Hübner D. Ethical arguments concerning human-animal chimera research: a systematic review. BMC Med Ethics 2020; 21:24. [PMID: 32293411 PMCID: PMC7092670 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-020-00465-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The burgeoning field of biomedical research involving the mixture of human and animal materials has attracted significant ethical controversy. Due to the many dimensions of potential ethical conflict involved in this type of research, and the wide variety of research projects under discussion, it is difficult to obtain an overview of the ethical debate. This paper attempts to remedy this by providing a systematic review of ethical reasons in academic publications on human-animal chimera research. Methods We conducted a systematic review of the ethical literature concerning human-animal chimeras based on the research question: “What ethical reasons have been given for or against conducting human-animal chimera research, and how have these reasons been treated in the ongoing debate?” Our search extends until the end of the year 2017, including MEDLINE, Embase, PhilPapers and EthxWeb databases, restricted to peer-reviewed journal publications in English. Papers containing ethical reasons were analyzed, and the reasons were coded according to whether they were endorsed, mentioned or rejected. Results Four hundred thirty-one articles were retrieved by our search, and 88 were ultimately included and analyzed. Within these articles, we found 464 passages containing reasons for and against conducting human-animal chimera research. We classified these reasons into five categories and, within these, identified 12 broad and 31 narrow reason types. 15% of the retrieved passages contained reasons in favor of conducting chimera research (Category P), while 85% of the passages contained reasons against it. The reasons against conducting chimera research fell into four further categories: reasons concerning the creation of a chimera (Category A), its treatment (Category B), reasons referring to metaphysical or social issues resulting from its existence (Category C) and to potential downstream effects of chimera research (Category D). A significant proportion of identified passages (46%) fell under Category C. Conclusions We hope that our results, in revealing the conceptual and argumentative structure of the debate and highlighting some its most notable tendencies and prominent positions, will facilitate continued discussion and provide a basis for the development of relevant policy and legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koko Kwisda
- CELLS - Centre for Ethics and Law in the Life Sciences, Leibniz University Hannover, Otto-Brenner-Strasse 1, 30159, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Lucie White
- Institute of Philosophy, Leibniz University Hannover, Im Moore 21, 30167, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dietmar Hübner
- Institute of Philosophy, Leibniz University Hannover, Im Moore 21, 30167, Hannover, Germany
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Matthews KR, Iltis AS. Are we ready to genetically modify a human embryo? Or is it too late to ask? Account Res 2019; 26:265-270. [DOI: 10.1080/08989621.2019.1617139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana S. Iltis
- Center for Bioethics, Health and Society, Wake, Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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Sawai T, Hatta T, Fujita M. Public attitudes in Japan towards human-animal chimeric embryo research using human induced pluripotent stem cells. Regen Med 2017; 12:233-248. [PMID: 28332949 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2016-0171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To understand the steps and objectives for which Japanese people are willing to accept human-animal chimeric embryo research using human induced pluripotent stem cells. METHODS An internet-based survey was conducted for the general public and researchers in Japan in 2016. RESULTS Over 60% of the public and 83.8% of researchers supported the creation of human-swine chimeras and 81.0% of the public and 92.4% of researchers supported the creation of human-swine chimeric embryos. DISCUSSION When presented with a graded view of human-swine chimeric embryo research with concomitant, specific objectives, a large majority of the general public as well as researchers are willing to accept this research with the aims of disease study, novel drug and treatment development, and transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsutomu Sawai
- Uehiro Research Division for iPS Cell Ethics, Center for iPS Cell Research & Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Taichi Hatta
- Uehiro Research Division for iPS Cell Ethics, Center for iPS Cell Research & Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Misao Fujita
- Uehiro Research Division for iPS Cell Ethics, Center for iPS Cell Research & Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
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Hostiuc S, Moldoveanu A, Dascălu MI, Unnthorsson R, Jóhannesson ÓI, Marcus I. Translational research-the need of a new bioethics approach. J Transl Med 2016; 14:16. [PMID: 26767499 PMCID: PMC4714424 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-016-0773-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Translational research tries to apply findings from basic science to enhance human health and well-being. Many phases of the translational research may include non-medical tasks (information technology, engineering, nanotechnology, biochemistry, animal research, economy, sociology, psychology, politics, and so on). Using common bioethics principles to these areas might sometimes be not feasible, or even impossible. However, the whole process must respect some fundamental, moral principles. The purpose of this paper is to argument the need for a different approach to the morality in translational bioethics, and to suggest some directions that might be followed when constructing such a bioethics. We will show that a new approach is needed and present a few ethical issues that are specific to the translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sorin Hostiuc
- Department of Legal Medicine and Bioethics, Carol Davila University, Bucharest, Romania.
- National Institute of Legal Medicine, Bucharest, Romania.
- Sos.Vitan Barzesti 9, Sector 4, 042122, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Alin Moldoveanu
- Faculty of Automatic Control and Computers, Polytechnic University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Maria-Iuliana Dascălu
- Department of Engineering in Foreign Languages, Polytechnic University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Runar Unnthorsson
- Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.
| | | | - Ioan Marcus
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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5
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Palacios-González C. Human dignity and the creation of human-nonhuman chimeras. MEDICINE, HEALTH CARE, AND PHILOSOPHY 2015; 18:487-499. [PMID: 25981681 PMCID: PMC4591198 DOI: 10.1007/s11019-015-9644-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In this work I present a detailed critique of the dignity-related arguments that have been advanced against the creation of human-nonhuman chimeras that could possess human-like mental capacities. My main claim is that the arguments so far advanced are incapable of grounding a principled objection against the creation of such creatures. I conclude that these arguments have one, or more, of the following problems: (a) they confuse the ethical assessment of the creation of chimeras with the ethical assessment of how such creatures would be treated in specific contexts (e.g. in the laboratory), (b) they misrepresent how a being could be treated solely as means towards others' ends,
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Affiliation(s)
- César Palacios-González
- Institute for Science Ethics and Innovation, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Stopford Building, Room 3.383, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
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Cabrera Trujillo LY, Engel-Glatter S. Human-animal chimera: a neuro driven discussion? Comparison of three leading European research countries. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2015; 21:595-617. [PMID: 24891129 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-014-9556-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Research with human-animal chimera raises a number of ethical concerns, especially when neural stem cells are transplanted into the brains of non-human primates (NHPs). Besides animal welfare concerns and ethical issues associated with the use of embryonic stem cells, the research is also regarded as controversial from the standpoint of NHPs developing cognitive or behavioural capabilities that are regarded as "unique" to humans. However, scientists are urging to test new therapeutic approaches for neurological diseases in primate models as they better mimic human physiology than all current animal models. As a response, various countries have issued reports on the topic. Our paper summarizes the ethical issues raised by research with human-animal brain chimeras and compares the relevant regulatory instruments and different recommendations issued in national reports from three important European research nations: Germany, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. We assess and discuss the focus and priorities set by the different reports, review various reasons for and perspectives on the importance of the brain in chimera research, and identify critical points in the reports that warrant further specification and debate.
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7
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Degeling C, Irvine R, Kerridge I. Faith-based perspectives on the use of chimeric organisms for medical research. Transgenic Res 2013; 23:265-79. [PMID: 24293125 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-013-9770-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 11/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Efforts to advance our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases involve the creation chimeric organisms from human neural stem cells and primate embryos--known as prenatal chimeras. The existence of potential mentally complex beings with human and non-human neural apparatus raises fundamental questions as to the ethical permissibility of chimeric research and the moral status of the creatures it creates. Even as bioethicists find fewer reasons to be troubled by most types of chimeric organisms, social attitudes towards the non-human world are often influenced by religious beliefs. In this paper scholars representing eight major religious traditions provide a brief commentary on a hypothetical case concerning the development and use of prenatal human-animal chimeric primates in medical research. These commentaries reflect the plurality and complexity within and between religious discourses of our relationships with other species. Views on the moral status and permissibility of research on neural human animal chimeras vary. The authors provide an introduction to those who seek a better understanding of how faith-based perspectives might enter into biomedical ethics and public discourse towards forms of biomedical research that involves chimeric organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Degeling
- The Centre for Values, Ethics and the Law in Medicine, University of Sydney, K25, Medical Foundation Building, 94-96 Parramatta Rd, Sydney, Australia,
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8
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Donor chimera model for tolerance induction in transplantation. Hum Immunol 2013; 74:550-6. [PMID: 23354322 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2013.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2012] [Revised: 12/09/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Tolerance induction is the basis of a successful transplantation with the goal being the re-establishment of homeostasis after transplantation. Non-autograft transplantation disrupts this maintenance drastically which would be avoided by administration of a novel procedure. At present, the blood group antigens and the genotypes of the donor and recipient are cross-matched before transplantation combined with a drug regimen that confers general immunosuppression. But the 'specific' unresponsiveness of the recipient to the donor organ, implied by 'tolerance', is not achieved in this process. This article introduces the 'donor chimera model' via the concept of the 'closed transplantation loop' approach for tolerance induction which seeks to limit the use of immunosuppressive therapy after transplantation.
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Haber MH, Benham B. Reframing the ethical issues in part-human animal research: the unbearable ontology of inexorable moral confusion. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2012; 12:17-25. [PMID: 22881848 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2012.699139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Research that involves the creation of animals with human-derived parts opens the door to potentially valuable scientific and therapeutic advances, yet invokes unsettling moral questions. Critics and champions alike stand to gain from clear identification and careful consideration of the strongest ethical objections to this research. A prevailing objection argues that crossing the human/nonhuman species boundary introduces inexorable moral confusion (IMC) that warrants a restriction to this research on precautionary grounds. Though this objection may capture the intuitions of many who find this research unsettling, it relies on mistaken views of both biology and moral standing, ultimately distorting the morally relevant facts. We critically examine IMC, identify mistaken essentialist assumptions, and reframe ethical concerns. The upshot is a stronger line of objection that encourages a more inclusive and productive ethical discourse.
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10
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Legato MJ. Prometheus and the heaven scenario: progress and challenges in 21st century science. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 8:407-9. [PMID: 22153884 DOI: 10.1016/j.genm.2011.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2011] [Accepted: 10/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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11
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Streiffer R. Chimeras, moral status, and public policy: implications of the abortion debate for public policy on human/nonhuman chimera research. THE JOURNAL OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS : A JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS 2010; 38:238-250. [PMID: 20579247 DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-720x.2010.00484.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Researchers are increasingly interested in creating chimeras by transplanting human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into animals early in development. One concern is that such research could confer upon an animal the moral status of a normal human adult but then impermissibly fail to accord it the protections it merits in virtue of its enhanced moral status. Understanding the public policy implications of this ethical conclusion, though, is complicated by the fact that claims about moral status cannot play an unfettered role in public policy. Arguments like those employed in the abortion debate for the conclusion that abortion should be legally permissible even if abortion is not morally permissible also support, to a more limited degree, a liberal policy on hESC research involving the creation of chimeras.
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12
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Robert JS. Toward a better bioethics: commentary on "Forbidding science: some beginning reflections". SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2009; 15:283-291. [PMID: 19421896 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-009-9134-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2009] [Accepted: 03/09/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
It has been argued that bioethicists too often tend to represent the interests of scientists and not of the broader polity. Indeed, bioethicists seem predisposed to discard the voices and viewpoints of all but the cognoscenti. Focusing particularly on human pluripotent stem cell research, this commentary explores a variety of characterizations of bioethics and bioethicists in relation to forbidding science. Rather than proselytizing or prohibiting, bioethicists should work in partnership with scientists and publics to craft scientifically well-informed and morally sophisticated debates about forbidding science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Scott Robert
- Center for Biology and Society and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, USA.
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13
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Duggan PS, Siegel AW, Blass DM, Bok H, Coyle JT, Faden R, Finkel J, Gearhart JD, Greely HT, Hillis A, Hoke A, Johnson R, Johnston M, Kahn J, Kerr D, King P, Kurtzberg J, Liao SM, McDonald JW, McKhann G, Nelson KB, Rao M, Regenberg A, Smith K, Solter D, Song H, Sugarman J, Traystman RJ, Vescovi A, Yanofski J, Young W, Mathews DJH. Unintended changes in cognition, mood, and behavior arising from cell-based interventions for neurological conditions: ethical challenges. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2009; 9:31-36. [PMID: 19396681 DOI: 10.1080/15265160902788645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The prospect of using cell-based interventions (CBIs) to treat neurological conditions raises several important ethical and policy questions. In this target article, we focus on issues related to the unique constellation of traits that characterize CBIs targeted at the central nervous system. In particular, there is at least a theoretical prospect that these cells will alter the recipients' cognition, mood, and behavior-brain functions that are central to our concept of the self. The potential for such changes, although perhaps remote, is cause for concern and careful ethical analysis. Both to enable better informed consent in the future and as an end in itself, we argue that early human trials of CBIs for neurological conditions must monitor subjects for changes in cognition, mood, and behavior; further, we recommend concrete steps for that monitoring. Such steps will help better characterize the potential risks and benefits of CBIs as they are tested and potentially used for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- P S Duggan
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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14
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Abstract
Stem cell research offers great promise for understanding basic mechanisms of human development and differentiation, as well as the hope for new treatments for diseases such as diabetes, spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease, and myocardial infarction. However, human stem cell (hSC) research also raises sharp ethical and political controversies. The derivation of pluripotent stem cell lines from oocytes and embryos is fraught with disputes about the onset of human personhood. The reprogramming of somatic cells to produce induced pluripotent stem cells avoids the ethical problems specific to embryonic stem cell research. In any hSC research, however, difficult dilemmas arise regarding sensitive downstream research, consent to donate materials for hSC research, early clinical trials of hSC therapies, and oversight of hSC research. These ethical and policy issues need to be discussed along with scientific challenges to ensure that stem cell research is carried out in an ethically appropriate manner. This article provides a critical analysis of these issues and how they are addressed in current policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Lo
- University of California San Francisco Program in Medical Ethics, San Francisco, California 94143, USA.
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15
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Delpire E. The mammalian family of sterile 20p-like protein kinases. Pflugers Arch 2009; 458:953-67. [PMID: 19399514 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-009-0674-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2009] [Accepted: 04/15/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Twenty-eight kinases found in mammalian genomes share similarity to the budding yeast kinase Ste20p. This review article examines the biological function of these mammalian Ste20 kinases. Some of them have conserved the Ste20p function of transducing extracellular signals to mitogen-activated kinases. Others affect ion transport, cell cycle, cytoskeleton organization, and program cell death. A number of molecular details involved in the activation of the kinases are discussed including autophosphorylation, substrate recognition, autoinhibition, dimerization, and substrate binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Delpire
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, T-4202 MCN 1161 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37232-2520, USA.
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16
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Baylis F. Animal eggs for stem cell research: a path not worth taking. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2008; 8:18-32. [PMID: 19085470 DOI: 10.1080/15265160802559161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
In January 2008, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) (London, UK) issued two 1-year licenses for cytoplasmic hybrid embryo research. This article situates the HFEA's decision in its wider scientific and political context in which, until quite recently, the debate about human embryonic stem cell research has focused narrowly on the moral status of the developing human embryo. Next, ethical arguments against crossing species boundaries with humans are canvassed. Finally, a new argument about the risks of harm to women egg providers resulting from research involving the creation of humanesque cytoplasmic hybrid embryos is elaborated. Taken together these ethical concerns about the moral status of the human embryo, about the ethics of crossing species boundaries with humans, and about the potential harms to women (concerns that independently are more or less weighty for different constituencies), provide good reason to eschew humanesque cytoplasmic hybrid embryo research in favor of less ethically controversial means to the laudable end of successful regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francoise Baylis
- Bioethics and Philosophy, Dalhousie University, 1234 Le Marchant Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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Grunwell J, Illes J, Karkazis K. Advancing Neuroregenerative Medicine: a Call for Expanded Collaboration Between Scientists and Ethicists. NEUROETHICS-NETH 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/s12152-008-9025-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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18
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Lensch MW, Schlaeger TM, Zon LI, Daley GQ. Teratoma formation assays with human embryonic stem cells: a rationale for one type of human-animal chimera. Cell Stem Cell 2007; 1:253-8. [PMID: 18371359 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2007.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite a long and valuable history, human-animal chimera research has often been questioned. Among the moral issues raised by chimeras is the concept that integration of human cells into anatomical locations such as the brain might endow animals with "human-like" capacities including self-awareness. We present a justification for one type of human-animal chimera experiment: the evaluation of hES cell developmental potency via teratoma formation in immunodeficient mice. We argue that this experiment raises no significant moral concerns and should be the jurisdiction of animal care and use committees and exempt from formal review by the stem cell research oversight process.
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Affiliation(s)
- M William Lensch
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital Boston and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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19
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Wakeman DR, Crain AM, Snyder EY. Large animal models are critical for rationally advancing regenerative therapies. Regen Med 2007; 1:405-13. [PMID: 17465832 PMCID: PMC2905042 DOI: 10.2217/17460751.1.4.405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dustin R Wakeman
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
- Burnham Institute for Medical Research, 10901 North Torrey Pines RD, La Jolla CA 92037, USA
| | - Andrew M Crain
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
- Burnham Institute for Medical Research, 10901 North Torrey Pines RD, La Jolla CA 92037, USA
| | - Evan Y Snyder
- Burnham Institute for Medical Research, 10901 North Torrey Pines RD, La Jolla CA 92037, USA
- Correspondence: ; 858-646-3158 Fax: 858-713-6273
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20
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Baylis F, Robert JS. Part-human chimeras: worrying the facts, probing the ethics. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2007; 7:41-5. [PMID: 17497503 DOI: 10.1080/15265160701290397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
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21
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Robert JS. Systems bioethics. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2007; 7:80-2; discussion W7-9. [PMID: 17455008 DOI: 10.1080/15265160701221467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
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Abstract
The culmination of decades of research on humanized mice is leading to advances in our understanding of human haematopoiesis, innate and adaptive immunity, autoimmunity, infectious diseases, cancer biology and regenerative medicine. In this Review, we discuss the development of these new generations of humanized mice, how they will facilitate translational research in several biomedical disciplines and approaches to overcome the remaining limitations of these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard D Shultz
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609, USA.
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23
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Hall VJ, Stojkovic M. The status of human nuclear transfer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 2:301-8. [PMID: 17848717 DOI: 10.1007/bf02698057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/1999] [Revised: 11/30/1999] [Accepted: 11/30/1999] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Human therapeutic cloning is a recently emerged application of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), which is currently being performed to produce patient-specific stem cell lines for future stem cell therapies. The advantages in producing human nuclear transfer (NT) embryos to derive NT stem cell lines are that these can be tailor-made (i.e., are autologous in nature) for the patient and may overcome the need to administer life-long immunosuppression following stem cell transplantation. Although the rationale for using NT embryos is not for reproductive purposes, human NT remains clouded in ethical, moral, and religious controversies. The recent retraction of high-impact factor publications in the field of human NT from a research group in South Korea has placed stem cell research in a delicate situation. These heavily publicized issues may hinder the progress of this research and may threaten to bring current research to a complete halt. This review outlines the recent status of human NT, its continuing progress and the difficulties the field faces. Of most concern are the ethical issues, which surround obtaining human oocytes for research. Recent evidence suggests that failed-to-fertilize oocytes are poor sources for human SCNT, but obtaining fresh, viable oocytes may be even more problematic. The current status of human SCNT is outlined in this review with particular reference made to, lessons learnt from animal research, the oocyte dilemma and optimization of human NT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa J Hall
- Neuronal Survival Unit, Wallenberg Neuroscience Centre, Department of Physiological Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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