Stem cell research focuses on embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells.

Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic stem cells, which come from the inner cell mass of a human embryo, have the potential to develop into all or nearly all of the tissues in the body. The scientific term for this characteristic is “pluripotentiality.”

Adult Stem Cells

Adult stem cells are unspecialized, can renew themselves, and can become specialized to yield all of the cell types of the tissue from which they originate. Although scientists believe that some adult stem cells from one tissue can develop into cells of another tissue, no adult stem cell has been shown in culture to be pluripotent.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

A type of pluripotent stem cell (also known as an iPS cell or iPSC) is genetically modified to behave like an embryonic stem cell, formed by the introduction of certain embryonic genes into a somatic (adult) cell. This type of research does not require the destruction of human life in the embryonic stage.

The Potential of Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Many scientists believe that embryonic stem cell research may eventually lead to therapies that could be used to treat diseases that afflict millions of Americans. Treatments may include replacing destroyed dopamine-secreting neurons in a Parkinson’s patient’s brain; transplanting insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells in diabetic patients, and infusing cardiac muscle cells in a heart damaged by myocardial infarction. Embryonic stem cells may also be used to understand basic biology and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of new medicines.

The Creation of Embryonic Stem Cells

To create embryonic stem cells for research, a “stem cell line” must be created from the inner cell mass of a week-old embryo. If they are cultured properly, embryonic stem cells can grow and divide indefinitely. A stem cell line is a mass of cells descended from the original, sharing its genetic characteristics. Batches of cells can then be separated from the cell line and distributed to researchers.

The Origin of Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic stem cells are derived from excess embryos created in the course of infertility treatment. As a result of standard in vitro fertilization practices, many excess human embryos are created. Participants in IVF treatment must ultimately decide the disposition of these excess embryos, and many individuals have donated their excess embryos for research purposes.

Existing Stem Cell Lines

According to the NIH Human Embryonic Stem Cell Registry, there are 414 approved human embryonic stem cell lines as of April 2020. These lines were developed from excess embryos created for in vitro fertilization procedures with the consent of the donors and no financial inducement. These existing lines are used in laboratories around the world (in the United States, Australia, India, Israel, and Sweden).

Therapies From Adult and Embryonic Stem Cell Research

To date, adult stem cell research, which is federally funded, has resulted in the development of a variety of therapeutic treatments for diseases. Although embryonic stem cell research has not yet produced similar results, many scientists say embryonic stem cell research theoretically holds promise over time because of the capacity of embryonic stem cells to develop into any tissue in the human body as a source for regenerative medicine and tissue replacement after an injury or disease. Yet, these cells tend to form tumors after transplantation, a formidable hurdle to overcome.

Updated: April 2020