Therapeutic cloning

Therapeutic cloning also known as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is a process that involves the production of embryonic stem cells for use in regenerative medicine. It is a form of cloning where the nucleus of a somatic cell is transferred to the cytoplasm of an enucleated egg.

Overview

Therapeutic cloning is a two-step process. First, the nucleus of a somatic cell is transferred into an enucleated egg. This results in a blastocyst, which is an early-stage embryo with about 100 cells. The second step involves the extraction of stem cells from this blastocyst. These stem cells can then be used in regenerative medicine to replace damaged or diseased tissues in the body.

Process

The process of therapeutic cloning involves several steps. First, a somatic cell, such as a skin cell, is taken from the patient. The nucleus of this cell, which contains the patient's DNA, is then inserted into an egg cell that has had its own nucleus removed. This is done using a process called somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). The egg cell is then stimulated to divide, forming an early-stage embryo called a blastocyst. The stem cells are then extracted from this blastocyst and can be used to generate tissues that are genetically identical to the patient's own cells.

Applications

Therapeutic cloning has the potential to treat a wide range of diseases and conditions. For example, it could be used to generate replacement tissues for patients with conditions such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, heart disease, and spinal cord injuries. It could also be used to generate immune-compatible tissues for transplantation, reducing the risk of rejection by the patient's immune system.

Ethical considerations

There are a number of ethical considerations associated with therapeutic cloning. These include concerns about the destruction of embryos, the potential for reproductive cloning, and the possibility of creating a market for human eggs.

See also

• Stem cell therapy
• Regenerative medicine
• Somatic cell nuclear transfer
• Reproductive cloning

References

Therapeutic cloning Resources
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