Stem Cell Scientists Lead Way in Genetic Disease Fight

By John von Radowitz, PA Science Correspondent

 Laboratory cultures of human embryonic stem cells containing the DNA programmes of 18 specific genetic diseases were unveiled today by British and US scientists.

 More than 120 human embryonic stem (HES) cell lines have been developed by the Reproductive Genetics Institute (RGI) in London and Chicago.

 All will be made available for appropriate research.

 Stem cells are “master” cells capable of developing into different kinds of tissue. Those extracted from early stage embryos have the potential to become any kind of cell in the body, including nerves and heart muscle.

 Scientists hope they will lead to a revolution in medicine, offering potential treatments for a host of currently incurable diseases such as Parkinson’s and insulin-dependent diabetes.

 Among the genetic diseases included in the new cell line are muscular dystrophy, Huntington’s, the blood condition thalassaemia and the disfiguring disorder neurofibromatosis.

 Mohamed Taranissi, medical director of the RGI London and the Assisted Reproduction and Gynaecology Centre, said: “We are very excited about the stem cell bank and hope that researchers will take advantage of the opportunity to work with these unique resources.”

 Cath Stanley of the U. K. Huntington’s Disease Association said: “This is an exciting development in research into HD and hopefully will bring us a step closer to a treatment or cure for this illness.”

 The cell lines also provide an opportunity to research adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a rare inherited metabolic disorder which usually leads to progressive neurological disability and death.

 Sara Hunt of ALD Life said: “This is a good development in looking at the pathogenesis of adrenoleukodystrophy and making research more secure for the future. We very much hope it will help speed a cure for this cruel and devastating disorder.”

 “PA” News Wednesday 9 February 2005 http://news.scotsman.com./latest.cfm