By Chamila Malimbada Liyanage
Therapeutic cloning is a procedure which uses the nuclear transfer cloning technology for the purpose of producing stem cell lines which are then used in research or medical treatment.(Robinson 2000) The word therapeutic relates to the medical treatment of a disease or condition. Cloning is the process of making a cell or organism which is genetically identical to the parent individual. Therapeutic cloning employs cloning technologies to treat diseases or other conditions. Therapeutic cloning is usually referred to as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), (Parson 2007) mainly to avoid confusion in the public which may arise from the word cloning. Despite its great potential in therapy, it is the topic of ethical issues as it deals with the exploitation of human embryos.
How it Began
In November of 2001, scientists from the American company, Advanced Cell Technology, announced that research and experimentation into the use of cloned human embryos for therapeutic purposes will occur.(GE 2001) Following this, a skin cell was inserted into a fertilised egg which had its nucleus removed. The process was successful and the egg underwent mitotic division. This led to the introduction of the technology of therapeutic cloning to the world. In 2003 Britain became the first country to legally allow research into the use of somatic cell nuclear transfer technology of human cells for the purpose of obtaining stem cells.(GE 2001) Since then many other countries have also adopted the concept for research. Despite its great potential, some nations still have not legalised the use of cloning technologies for therapeutic purposes.
Where is it heading?
Therapeutic cloning is a relatively new concept and though it is not currently used directly on humans, there is much research been conducted on it and its potentials. Therapeutic cloning has the potential to be used to generate organs or tissues for the use in transplants.(Parson 2007) It may also be used in the future to treat conditions such as diabetes mellitus.
As well as having great potential in cell and tissue replacement, the technology of somatic cell nuclear transfer could be used to create products which can be used as gene delivery vectors and for the creation of animal models of human diseases.
Therapeutic cloning is the subject of much controversy as it raises many ethical concerns. Despite these and other disadvantages, therapeutic cloning has many advantages and will continue to be a highly regarded possibility for use in future medical applications.
As well as having great potential in cell and tissue replacement, the technology of somatic cell nuclear transfer could be used to create products which can be used as gene delivery vectors and for the creation of animal models of human diseases.
Therapeutic cloning is the subject of much controversy as it raises many ethical concerns. Despite these and other disadvantages, therapeutic cloning has many advantages and will continue to be a highly regarded possibility for use in future medical applications.
Therapeutic cloning, also known as somatic cell nuclear transfer, may one day be used for the treatment of conditions such as Parkinson's disease and for the generation of transplant organs or tissues.