Before we can go on to a discussion about how does diabetes benefit from stem cell research there is something that needs clarification. Exactly what are “in vitro fertilization (IVF) derived stem cells”? Human IVF derived stem cells have the very unique capacity to become any type of cell, tissue or organ as they develop and mature. In addition, although they have this capacity, by themselves they cannot develop into a full human being. At this point, scientists don’t know the reason for this, but because they can form any cell type in the human body, these stem cells are holding out promise for several medical therapies among other things. Interestingly enough, they are able to replicate themselves while remaining in an immature or undifferentiated state, thus providing a potentially unlimited source of cells ready for organ transplantation as well as a model system for drug discovery along with the study of human development.
Ok, so how does diabetes benefit from stem cells research? The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) supports this research because of its’ potential. Although IVF derived stem cell research is at a very early stage, there is evidence that it offers great promise to pick up the pace dramatically with regard to a cure for diabetes. The JDRF encourages this line of research as long as it is within the framework of appropriate scientific and ethical safeguards, which have been established by representatives of the public. The JDRF believes research should continue pursuing all avenues and using all types of stem cells since it is impossible to predict which will provide the most medical benefits.
To this point, one of the most promising diabetes benefits from stem cell research is to biologically restore the function of the islet cells. At present, this can occur either through islet cell transplantation or through engineering of cells to restore the insulin secreting function. Either way, the availability of stem cells would significantly expedite research progress. There are two reasons islet cell transplantation has been largely unsuccessful:
The problem is lack of islet cells. Potentially, this could be solved through additional stem cell research and this would be important in stem cell research benefits for diabetes. Scientists are hopeful that because the cells that are being studied are so early in their development stage, one day they will be able to direct their development into any human tissue or organ. Should this materialize, scientists can specialize these cells to become insulin-producing islet cells. Further, cell lines could be developed to produce an unlimited number of islet cells from just a single primordial stem cell. Thus the islet cell supply problem would be solved. Although there are other stem cell issues on the table at this point in time that relate to issues other than those mentioned here, the question how does diabetes benefit from stem cell research has its’ root answer here.
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