What's New in Life Science Research

This week on What's New in Life Science Research, we're taking on the subject of cloning.

The word cloning refers to a procedure called somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), where the nucleus of an unfertilized female egg is removed and replaced with the genetic nucleus of a body cell. This clonal embryo is then prompted to grow by cues in the cytoplasm of the egg.

Reproductive cloning refers to the procedure of taking this product and implanting it in a womb to gestate. However, the scientific community considers this practice largely unethical to carry out on humans. In animal models the success rate of this procedure is very low due to biological restraints as has been shown with animal models like Dolly the Sheep. Scientists failed upwards of 300 times before experiencing successful implantation, gestation and birth with the resulting Dolly. Additionally, Dolly died at a relatively early age, although it is uncertain as to exactly why.

While SCNT is not currently practiced, there are many potential medical applications of cloning are for twofold. One way that SCNT would be valuable would be to use it as a research tool. By producing stem cells that are "disease specific," researchers could learn about the way diseased cells would develop in the early stages that would give them insight into the progression and treatment of disease.

Another potential application for SCNT is what is commonly referred to as "therapeutic cloning" where researchers would cultivate a group of cells for the purpose of transplantation into a patient whose own cells or tissues have been destroyed or damaged by injury or disease. Because the cells would be genetically identical to the cells from the patient, there would be hopes that the transplant wouldn't cause an immune reaction.

So, what have you noticed about the public's perception of common misconceptions of the term "cloning?" How do you think misunderstandings of the term affect the political landscape concerning research that involves cloning?

Concerning medical applications, what are the potential benefits of using cells and tissues that are cloned from a patient, as opposed to cells and tissues taken from a donor for transplant?

If therapies that use cells and tissues that are genetically identical to a patient, what uses could we have in the future that we currently do not have? What problems occur now with using donated and transplanted organs, and could they be resolved by using cloning? What kinds of currently incurable diseases or injuries have the potential to be treated using cloning applications?

And lastly, what are some of the dangers of cloning (real or perceived)?