Centralized Banks for Human Embryonic Stem Cells: A Worthwhile Challenge

Abstract

Centralized banking of human embryonic stem (hES) cells is an endeavor that can benefit individual research efforts and enhance international collaboration but is complicated by the fact that the science is rapidly evolving in an environment of heterogeneous laws, guidelines, and ethical standards. Written from the vantage point of regulatory professionals, this article provides an overview of the benefits of and challenges facing hESC banking enterprises in general with a focus on a global centralized banking effort.

Chemical Control of Stem Cell Fate and Developmental Potential

“…[11,13] Furthermore, the application of human embryo-derived stem cells in laboratory and clinical settings is complicated by ethical and sociopolitical considerations. [14] It was originally assumed that the differences between human and mouse ES cells resulted from species-specific differences in the mechanisms used to maintain the pluripotent state. However, it is now appreciated that the cell(s) from which mouse and human ES cells are derived do not represent equivalent stages of development ( Figure 1).…”

Stretching the limits: Stem cells in regeneration science

“…Either allogeneic or xenogeneic ASCs or ESCs and their derivatives will elicit an immunorejection response when transplanted, necessitating the use of immunosuppressants to avoid rejection. This problem might be solved either by understanding how to induce peripheral tolerance (Waldmann and Cobbold, 2004, for review), or by the establishment of banks of ESC lines large enough to provide a wide range of human leukocyte antigen profiles that increase the probability of a close match over a high percentage of a population O'Rourke et al, 2008).…”

Haplotype-Based Banking of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells for Transplantation: Potential and Limitations

“…This means that any facility wanting to distribute clinical grade stem cell lines must be able to certify their origin and storage conditions. This is just one of the many technical difficulties a stem cell bank for clinical grade ES cells and iPS cell lines will face [40].…”