Regenerative medicine, which is known as the ability to revive human cells to increase longevity has been a key area of research worldwide due to its astonishing possibilities. Though not perfected, various forms of regenerative research have been conducted to find the most viable and ethical option. In the article “There Will Be Blood”, author Ewen Callaway describes and defends direct conversions of cell types rather than its highly debated counterpart, stem cell research. Callaway states that direct conversions, with the right chemical combinations can convert human skin cells to blood cells in a simple manor (Callaway 2010). Although this article includes some shocking breakthroughs that direct conversions may bring to humans worldwide, it does have some pertinent negative aspects. While we must understand that no form of regenerative medicine is perfect, stem cell research has been proven to be highly advantageous. For the reasons that stem cell cells are able to multiply necessary cells quickly and efficiently, regenerate heart cells without alternating DNA, and produce cord blood that is as useful as natural blood, stem cell research is a much more viable form of regenerative medicine compared to direct conversions.
First and foremost, one huge quality in finding the right form of regenerative medicine is the ability to effectively multiply necessary cells. When recreating cells, they must be present in massive amounts in order to effectively treat patients. Embryologist Ian Wilmut states, “[directly converted cells] cannot easily multiply in lab, so producing the large quantities needed for applications… could prove tough.” (Callaway 2010). On the other hand, stem cells have the ability to multiply, self regenerate and renew themselves for long periods of time (Saxena et al. 2010). For regenerative medicine, the ability to multiply is very important because in order to affect certain genes, numerous amounts of stem cells must be allotted. Since using direct conversions requires scientists to individually extrapolate cells to create new blood cells, this research will be very uneconomical. The goal of regenerative medicine is to recreate cells in an efficient and timely manor; using direct conversions will hinder the process of reaching its maximum potential.
Next, Callaway argues that direct conversions have successfully replicated heart cells in mice without causing tumors; however, it is uncertain if they can be reproduced without altering the important DNA sequences. (Callaway 2010). When treating patients with reproduced cells, it is important that they only affect the appropriate DNA sequences and not alter unnecessary genes. Stem cell research has proven to replace diseased heart tissue and only alter necessary genes to consistently repair tissue (Skene 2009). In addition, stem cells that are used to replace heart cells have proven to affectively provide a treatment for various cardiovascular disorders (Rendon et al. 2009). When using regenerative medicine to revive damaged heart cells, one major area of focus is whether the cells will able to rejuvenate themselves after the treatment. Stem cell research has the ability to not only create new cells, but also alter the correct genes in one’s DNA sequence so that the body can regenerate the necessary cells on its own. Although cells can be grown safely, the major downfall of direct conversions is that incorrect genes and DNA sequences could be affected.
In general, while direct conversions may have the ability to create blood cells from skin cells, it is hard to tell if the blood cells will be as good as natural ones (Callaway 2010). Stem cells that are extracted from the umbilical cord of an embryo have the potential to treat a wide range of malignant blood disorders and has the potential to offer unlimited cells (Seres et al 2010). In addition, using cord blood stem cells to create new blood cells creates a natural protective mechanism to ensure that blood flow is universal to standard blood cells (Seres et al 2010). Based on this information, it is obvious that using stem cells for regenerative medicine is the optimal choice. If blood flow is unnatural due to the fact that directly converted blood cells may not recognize original blood cells, problems could easily arise questioning the legitimacy of the research. While the simplicity of direct conversions is a key determination factor, long run effectiveness is much more important to ensure the long-term health of patients.
Therefore, for the reasons above, stem cell research has more a more practical future than direct conversions and should be researched extensively. Ewen Callaway makes a strong argument supporting direct conversions as a form of regenerative medicine in the article “There Will Be Blood”, but there are simply too many setbacks to ensure a bright future. While neither form of regenerative medicine has been perfected, it is important to understand which form of research is most viable for a successful future. It is easy to argue biological, ethical, and social aspects against any form of regenerative medicine, but the most important thing is to realize the vast range of benefits that these treatments could produce. In this case, while direct conversions may be a simpler option, stem cell research provides many more advantages to ensure a soon to be scientific breakthrough.
Works Cited
Callaway, Ewen. "There Wil Be Blood." Nature. 468.149 (2010): n. page. Web. 10 Oct. 2011.
Rendon, E., J.A. Snowden, and S.M. Watt. "Stem cell-related therapies for vascular diseases." Transfusion Medicine. 19. (2009): 159-71. Print.
Saxena, Ajit Kumar, Divya Singh, and Jyoti Gupta. "Role of stem cell research in therapeutic purpose - a hope for new horizon in medical biotechnology." Journal of Experimental Therapeutics and Oncology. 8. (2010): 223-233. Print.
Seres, K.B., and P. Hollands. "Cord Blood: the future of regenerative medicine?." Reproductive BioMedicine Online. 20. (2010): 98-102. Print.
Skene, Loane. "Recent Developments in Stem Cell Research: Social, Ethical, and Legal Issues for the Future." Indiana Journal of Global Legal Studies. 17.2 (2010): 211-44. Print.
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