Hyderabad (India), Mar 2, 2012 - Two teams of researchers, one in Japan and the other in USA, have succeeded in developing a simple method of producing stem cell from human skin that eliminates the hassle of using human reproductive material, former Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam said here today.
He said the latest discovery eliminates the hassle of using human reproductive material altogether - no egg, no embryo and no cloning technique at all.
ÒUsing re-activated viruses, the scientists managed to transport 4 key genes in the nucleus of the skin cells which re-programmed them into cells virtually identical to embryonic stem cells,Ó Kalam said in his speech at the inauguration of International Conference on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research organized by the Federation of Asian Biotechnology Association (FABA) here.
These stem cells will help people suffering from cardio-vascular and Parkinson's disease. The use of the cell from a person's own skin would eliminate the danger of immune system rejection, he explained.
Stem cells are the master cells which have the capacity to transform into any of the body's entire repertoire of heart, liver, brain, bone and muscle cells.
Union Health Ministry has formed the National Apex Committee for stem cell research and therapy. It will facilitate intensive stem cell research, cell based therapies and promote Indian enterprises in this evolving business, Kalam said.
ÒI was happy to see that a focus had been given to stem cell research and a road map was emerging and the experts group promised me that they submit the road map in a month's time for development, production and clinical application of stem cell,Ó he added.
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