This article is from the WebMD Medical News Archive

Editor’s Note: In December 2005, a panel from South Korea’s Seoul National University said it found no proof to support the scientists’ claims of creating tailored stem cells.

May 19, 2005 -- Korean scientists say they've found a way to create human embryonic stem cellsstem cells to match a patient's genetic material.

The technique isn't ready for therapeutic use but may prove useful in research, say the scientists in Science Express, the online edition of Science.

"What the study shows is that stem cells can be made that are specific to patients regardless of age or sex and that these cells are identical genetic matches to the donor," says Gerald Schatten, PhD, in a news release.

Schatten is a professor and vice chairman of research development in obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the University of Pittsburgh's medical school. He advised the Korean researchers on data analysis and helped prepare the study's English manuscript, but he didn't work on the experiment itself.

About Stem Cells

Stem cells can give rise to different kinds of cells in the body. Embryonic stem cells come from embryos; obtaining these stem cells involves the destruction of a potentially viable embryo that itself consists of only a few cells.

Research on embryonic stem cells is controversial. Supporters of the research say it may yield new treatments for diabetes, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries, and other conditions. Opponents say developing or tinkering with embryos is unethical.

Adults also have stem cells, which may be able to form a smaller number of specific cell types. Embryonic stem cells can develop into any cell type.

The Korean scientists -- who included Seoul National University professor Woo Suk Hwang, DVM, PhD -- say they followed their country's laws and obtained consent from everyone involved in the experiment (including parental consent for minors).

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