scholarly journals Autonomy in the Development of Stem Cell-Derived Embryoids: Sprouting Blastocyst-Like Cysts, and Ethical Implications

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1461
Author(s):  
Hans-Werner Denker
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cell ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Self Organization ◽  
Axis Formation ◽  
Experimental Production ◽  
Ethical Implications ◽  
Mammalian Embryos ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Present Text

The experimental production of complex structures resembling mammalian embryos (e.g., blastoids, gastruloids) from pluripotent stem cells in vitro has become a booming research field. Since some of these embryoid models appear to reach a degree of complexity that may come close to viability, a broad discussion has set in with the aim to arrive at a consensus on the ethical implications with regard to acceptability of the use of this technology with human cells. The present text focuses on aspects of the gain of organismic wholeness of such stem cell-derived constructs, and of autonomy of self-organization, raised by recent reports on blastocyst-like cysts spontaneously budding in mouse stem cell cultures, and by previous reports on likewise spontaneous formation of gastrulating embryonic disc-like structures in primate models. Mechanisms of pattern (axis) formation in early embryogenesis are discussed in the context of self-organization of stem cell clusters. It is concluded that ethical aspects of development of organismic wholeness in the formation of embryoids need to receive more attention in the present discussions about new legal regulations in this field.

scholarly journals Design Principles for Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Organoid Engineering

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa P. Silva ◽  
João P. Cotovio ◽  
Evguenia Bekman ◽  
Maria Carmo-Fonseca ◽  
Joaquim M. S. Cabral ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Pluripotent Stem Cell ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Organization ◽  
Complex Process ◽  
Reliable Source ◽  
Human Disorders

Human morphogenesis is a complex process involving distinct microenvironmental and physical signals that are manipulated in space and time to give rise to complex tissues and organs. Advances in pluripotent stem cell (PSC) technology have promoted the in vitro recreation of processes involved in human morphogenesis. The development of organoids from human PSCs represents one reliable source for modeling a large spectrum of human disorders, as well as a promising approach for drug screening and toxicological tests. Based on the “self-organization” capacity of stem cells, different PSC-derived organoids have been created; however, considerable differences between in vitro-generated PSC-derived organoids and their in vivo counterparts have been reported. Advances in the bioengineering field have allowed the manipulation of different components, including cellular and noncellular factors, to better mimic the in vivo microenvironment. In this review, we focus on different examples of bioengineering approaches used to promote the self-organization of stem cells, including assembly, patterning, and morphogenesis in vitro, contributing to tissue-like structure formation.

Stem Cell-Based Personalized Medicine

2012 ◽  
pp. 1855-1866
Author(s):  
Alessandro Prigione
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Personalized Medicine ◽  
Regenerative Medicine ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Cellular Reprogramming ◽  
Differentiated Cells ◽  
New Therapeutic Approaches

Regenerative medicine is a rapidly evolving research field whose main aims are to provide new therapeutic approaches and to repair or replace injured tissues with functional cells derived from stem cells. In the past few years, research breakthroughs have revolutionized the field by showing that all somatic cells have the potential to re-acquire stem cell-like properties. Thus, it appears possible to generate relevant cell types starting from cells easily obtained from affected individuals. The obtained differentiated cells could eventually serve as in vitro tools for the study of disease-associated mechanisms and for performing customized drug screenings. Moreover, in the context of cellular transplantation, these cells represent the ideal cell source given that they posses the same genetic code and thus will avoid the occurrence of unwanted immune reactions. Overall, this revolutionary technique called cellular reprogramming might provide substantial support for the future development of personalized medicine. In this chapter, I describe the recent advances in the field of stem cell-based regenerative medicine applications. Parkinson’s disease is chosen as a paradigmatic example in which the use of stem cells for study and therapy could have a relevant impact and potentially represent a future cure for this debilitating disorder.

scholarly journals ‘n Ekoteologiese besinning oor die Christelik-etiese implikasies van stamselnavorsing en -terapie

2010 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan Hoffman ◽  
Johan Buitendag
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cell ◽  
Stem Cell Research ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Christian Ethics ◽  
Genome Project ◽  
Theological Reflection ◽  
In Vitro Fertilisation ◽  
Ethical Implications ◽  
The Human Genome Project

An Eco theological reflection on Christian-ethical implications of stem cell research and therapyThe new biotechnological context in which in vitro fertilisation, the human genome project, and stem cell research have become realities, confronts both society and theology with unique challenges. These realities compel us to revisit ethical questions regarding human life. The main aim of this study is to contribute to the transversal debate about Christian ethics, natural sciences and biotechnological development, from a post-foundational perspective. The research results do not aim to lay down ethical rules as absolute truths, but rather to reflect on different viewpoints, values, characteristics, virtues, moral narratives and perspectives with regard to these complex ethical dilemmas. The broadening of moral narratives, and the revaluing of relational Christiananthropological perspectives, are being presented as an alternative to the strict monolithically orientated ideas of truth, objectivity and reason.

scholarly journals Self-Organization Phenomena in Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Embryoid Bodies: Axis Formation and Breaking of Symmetry during Cardiomyogenesis

2012 ◽  
Vol 195 (5) ◽  
pp. 377-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christiane Fuchs ◽  
Matthias Scheinast ◽  
Waltraud Pasteiner ◽  
Sabine Lagger ◽  
Manuela Hofner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cell ◽  
Embryonic Stem Cell ◽  
Embryonic Stem ◽  
Embryoid Bodies ◽  
Self Organization ◽  
Axis Formation

Stem Cell-Based Personalized Medicine

2012 ◽  
pp. 49-60
Author(s):  
Alessandro Prigione
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Personalized Medicine ◽  
Regenerative Medicine ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Cellular Reprogramming ◽  
Differentiated Cells ◽  
New Therapeutic Approaches

Regenerative medicine is a rapidly evolving research field whose main aims are to provide new therapeutic approaches and to repair or replace injured tissues with functional cells derived from stem cells. In the past few years, research breakthroughs have revolutionized the field by showing that all somatic cells have the potential to re-acquire stem cell-like properties. Thus, it appears possible to generate relevant cell types starting from cells easily obtained from affected individuals. The obtained differentiated cells could eventually serve as in vitro tools for the study of disease-associated mechanisms and for performing customized drug screenings. Moreover, in the context of cellular transplantation, these cells represent the ideal cell source given that they posses the same genetic code and thus will avoid the occurrence of unwanted immune reactions. Overall, this revolutionary technique called cellular reprogramming might provide substantial support for the future development of personalized medicine. In this chapter, I describe the recent advances in the field of stem cell-based regenerative medicine applications. Parkinson’s disease is chosen as a paradigmatic example in which the use of stem cells for study and therapy could have a relevant impact and potentially represent a future cure for this debilitating disorder.

Growing Self-Organizing Mini-Guts from a Single Intestinal Stem Cell: Mechanism and Applications

Science ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 340 (6137) ◽  
pp. 1190-1194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshiro Sato ◽  
Hans Clevers
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Disease Modeling ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Self Organization ◽  
Complex Structures ◽  
Organ Identity ◽  
Morphogenesis In Vitro

Recent examples have highlighted how stem cells have the capability to initiate morphogenesis in vitro; that is, to generate complex structures in culture that closely parallel their in vivo counterparts. Lgr5, the receptor for the Wnt-agonistic R-spondins, marks stem cells in multiple adult organs of mice and humans. In R-spondin–based three-dimensional cultures, these Lgr5 stem cells can grow into ever-expanding epithelial organoids that retain their original organ identity. Single Lgr5 stem cells derived from the intestine can be cultured to build epithelial structures that retain hallmarks of the in vivo epithelium. Here, we review the mechanisms that support this notable example of self-organization and discuss applications of this technology for stem cell research, disease modeling (e.g., for colorectal cancer and cystic fibrosis), and regenerative medicine.

Effects of Unfractionated and Low Molecular Weight Heparins on Platelet Thromboxane Biosynthesis “In Vivo”

1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (06) ◽  
pp. 942-946 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raffaele Landolfi ◽  
Erica De Candia ◽  
Bianca Rocca ◽  
Giovanni Ciabattoni ◽  
Armando Antinori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Unfractionated Heparin ◽  
Low Molecular Weight Heparin ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Low Molecular Weight ◽  
Heparin Administration ◽  
To Receive

SummarySeveral “in vitro” and “in vivo” studies indicate that heparin administration may affect platelet function. In this study we investigated the effects of prophylactic heparin on thromboxane (Tx)A2 biosynthesis “in vivo”, as assessed by the urinary excretion of major enzymatic metabolites 11-dehydro-TxB2 and 2,3-dinor-TxB2. Twenty-four patients who were candidates for cholecystectomy because of uncomplicated lithiasis were randomly assigned to receive placebo, unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin or unfractionaed heparin plus 100 mg aspirin. Measurements of daily excretion of Tx metabolites were performed before and during the treatment. In the groups assigned to placebo and to low molecular weight heparin there was no statistically significant modification of Tx metabolite excretion while patients receiving unfractionated heparin had a significant increase of both metabolites (11-dehydro-TxB2: 3844 ± 1388 vs 2092 ±777, p <0.05; 2,3-dinor-TxB2: 2737 ± 808 vs 1535 ± 771 pg/mg creatinine, p <0.05). In patients randomized to receive low-dose aspirin plus unfractionated heparin the excretion of the two metabolites was largely suppressed thus suggesting that platelets are the primary source of enhanced thromboxane biosynthesis associated with heparin administration. These data indicate that unfractionated heparin causes platelet activation “in vivo” and suggest that the use of low molecular weight heparin may avoid this complication.

Use of 3D culture systems to generate human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived [beta]-cells in vitro

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fantuzzi Federica ◽  
Toivonen Sanna ◽  
Schiavo Andrea Alex ◽  
Pachera Nathalie ◽  
Rajaei Bahareh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cell ◽  
Beta Cells ◽  
Pluripotent Stem Cell ◽  
3D Culture ◽  
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell ◽  
Culture Systems ◽  
Induced Pluripotent
Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document