Scientists believe the human testicle may provide a less controversial source of cells for stem cell research.
Stem cells hold great promise for new treatments for many conditions as they have the ability to become many different types of adult tissue.
But at present the most flexible type is found in human embryos - and their use is mired in controversy.
A German team describes in the journal Nature how it isolated cells from mice testes that seem equally useful.
The researchers believe similar cells could also be extracted from humans.
Scientists already knew certain cells in the testes of newborn mice were able, like embryonic stem cells, to generate numerous different tissue types.
But until now they had not been able to show the same cells existed in adults.
Colonies
The researchers, from the Georg August University in Gottingen, isolated sperm-producing cells from the testes of adult mice.
They were able to show that, under certain culture conditions, some of them grew into colonies much like embryonic stem cells.
They called these cells multipotent adult germline stem cells (maGSCs).
Like ES cells, maGSCs can spontaneously differentiate into the three basic tissue layers of the embryo - and contribute to the development of multiple organs when injected into embryos.
Professor Chris Higgins, director of the Medical Research Council's Clinical Sciences Centre, said: "The possibility of using cells from the testes as an alternative to embryonic stem cells for therapy is intriguing.
"However, much more research is required before the similarities and differences between these testes cells and embryonic stem cells are understood, and before their potential for use in therapy can be properly assessed."
Professor Harry Moore, of the Centre for Stem Cell Biology at the University of Sheffield, UK, said there were a number of key differences between mice and human testes cells.
Mice cells proliferated readily, but the same was not true for human cells. There was also a significant difference in the chemicals that each employed to grow.
However, he added: "Nevertheless, the paper offers an intriguing route for future stem cell therapy which might overcome the use of embryos and cloning."
A Department of Health spokesperson said: "The government is investing £100m in stem cell research over the next two years.
"This includes research on all types of stem cells - embryonic, umbilical and adult.
"It is important we look into all types of stem cells to make sure no opportunities for new treatments are missed."
If this works, hopefully we'll be able to completely sidestep the issue of embryonic stem cells. Surely even the most retarded stem cell opponents can't reject this....
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Interesting! This would have less ethical problems.
kheegan wrote:If this works, hopefully we'll be able to completely sidestep the issue of embryonic stem cells. Surely even the most retarded stem cell opponents can't reject this....
I think you're being too optimistic. They'll find something to pick on.
Unless it can yield plentiful pluripotent SCs, then it won't be a viable alternative. We need a vast source of these cells and only the kind that are the basic building blocks for any type of tissue will do if you want total regenerative therapy.
I for one am willing to provide them in the name of science.
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It's an intriguing idea... but remember only slightly under half the human race has testicles. Would there be enough to go around? (Assuming we can get past any immunological compatibility issues for transplanting)
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Molyneux wrote:Can these cells be harvested without harm to the donor? They are replaced, aren't they?
If memory serves, stem cell mitosis results in two different cells, one active differenciating cell, and another stem cell. So apparently not, they wouldn't be 'replaced', the existing stock of SCs would only be maintained at best. Though I'm no specialist on the matter.
We will have to see whether these can actually turn into any cell in the body or whether, like all other adult stem cells, they are extremely limited in what they can become.
I personally put my money on the new embryonic stem cell extraction technique that does't require destroying the embryo. We know embryonic stem cells can become any cell type, so this new technique that can get the cells without killing the embryo sounds very promising. There is no way that can be construed as taking a life since no permanent damage is done to the embryo, so the abortion argument goes right out. I think the "playing God" argument, which although is sure to be used, will probably not have quite as broad of an appeal.
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