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A proposed set of standards for evaluating human embryonic stem (hES) cells has been put forth by a group of molecular biologists [Science, 300, 913, (2003)]. It remains to be seen how their proposal will be received by the wider scientific community and the public. SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY The authors of the proposal explain that their goal "was to initiate a scientific discussion that may help to establish standards for evaluating hES cells, in particular, to enable the comparison and classification of existing and future cell lines." Lead coauthor Ali H. Brivanlou, a professor of molecular embryology at Rockefeller University, observes that the number of stem cell lines said to be available to U.S.-funded researchers is a number that has fluctuated. "A lack of standards is the problem with stem cell research today," he explains. "We don't know how to appreciate or define stem cells, to assess their qualities. What is a stem cell?" As it happened, even before the group could put together a first draft of proposed standards, their discussions leaked out. It was reported, for example, that they planned to recommend experiments in which hES cells would be implanted in mouse embryos as a method for determining stem cell pluripotency, the ability to develop into different tissues [Nature, 420, 255 (2002)]. Observers worry that such work raises ethical issues that could have a negative influence on public acceptance and public policy. "We will never be able to work on human embryos the way we can with other animal models," Brivanlou explains. "We don't know what proposals will generate controversy." Brivanlou underscores that what he and his coauthors have proposed is a starting point. Nevertheless, he says, "it's unacceptable not to have any standards. It is very important to keep an eye on what we need scientifically." |
| UPDATE | 05.03 |
| AUTHOR | Lead coauthor Ali H. Brivanlou, a professor of molecular embryology at Rockefeller University |
| LITERATURE REF. | [Science, 300, 913, (2003)]. |
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