Embryonic stem cell cloning, often referred to as therapeutic cloning, is a process used to create patient-specific embryonic stem cells. It involves using an individual's own genetic material to produce an embryo, from which stem cells are then harvested.
The Process of Therapeutic Cloning
The fundamental technique behind embryonic stem cell cloning is called Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT). This method allows scientists to create an embryo that is a genetic copy of an existing individual.
Here's a breakdown of the steps involved, based on the provided reference:
- Preparation of Egg Cell: A human egg cell is obtained, and its original nucleus (containing its genetic material) is carefully removed. This results in an enucleated egg.
- Somatic Cell Donation: A somatic cell (any body cell, like a skin cell) is taken from the patient who needs the stem cells. The nucleus of this somatic cell, which contains the patient's complete genetic information, is isolated.
- Nuclear Transfer: The nucleus from the patient's somatic cell is inserted into the previously enucleated egg cell.
- Stimulation and Development: The reconstructed egg cell (now containing the patient's nucleus) is stimulated, often with an electric pulse, to begin dividing. If successful, it develops into a early-stage embryo.
- Genetic Cloning: This resulting embryo is a genetic clone of the patient because it contains the patient's nuclear DNA.
- Harvesting Stem Cells: The embryo is allowed to develop for a few days (typically to the blastocyst stage). The embryo is destroyed at this stage to obtain the embryonic stem cells.
- Utilization: The harvested embryonic stem cells have the same genotype as the patient. This is the key advantage, as these cells can potentially be used to grow tissues or organs for transplantation without the risk of immune rejection by the patient's body.
The process can be summarized in the following steps:
- Take an enucleated human egg.
- Use Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer technology.
- Combine the egg with a somatic cell nucleus from the patient.
- Create a human embryo that is a genetic clone of the patient.
- Destroy the embryo to obtain embryonic stem cells.
- The obtained stem cells have the same genotype as the patient.
Understanding this process highlights its potential for regenerative medicine, allowing for the creation of patient-matched cells and tissues, thus bypassing the challenge of immune rejection often faced in transplantation therapies. More information on this topic can be found via sources like Cloning and Stem Cells | Biological Principles bioprinciples.biosci.gatechedu.
