Q. How can stem cells be engineered for medical use?
A. Stem cells are "master" cells that can be coaxed to become particular cell types. Many people hear the word stem cell and automatically think of the cells that make up developing embryos. In fact, there are other types of stem cells. An entire class of stem cells, known as adult stem cells, is found in fat, blood and other parts of the body. Our team has identified stem cells in placenta (afterbirth) and amniotic fluid. The potential in regenerative medicine is to use stem cell therapies to restore function and to engineer replacement tissues and organs.
How long will it be before organ regeneration procedures become commonplace?
The first engineered tissue was artificial skin, which is widely used today. Other organs/tissues that have been engineered in the lab and evaluated in patients through clinical trials include bladders, urine tubes, vaginal organs, windpipes and blood vessels. Scientists worldwide are working to expand the types of organs available to patients and to make the therapies more widely available. I do expect tissue engineering to become more commonplace in the future. Engineering a limb is obviously a very complex undertaking. We are actually working in this area and are starting with the basic steps of first engineering the components, such as skin, blood vessels, bone, muscle, tendons, etc.
Does the government limit what kinds of cells can be engineered?
At one time, scientists using federal funding were limited in the types of embryonic stem cells they could use. However, ability to reprogram cells, such as skin cells, to their embryonic state has greatly reduced the controversy surrounding these cells and the need to rely solely on these cells in research.
What are the risks, if any, involved with tissue engineering?
Tissue engineering ideally uses a patient's own cells, so there are no risks of rejection like there are with donated organs. Of course, there are risks inherent in any new procedure and in any surgery.
Are there misunderstandings in society about stem cells and what can be done to rectify them?
These are very broad fields and I am sure that there are misunderstandings. As mentioned earlier, for example, many people don't realize that there are multiple types of stem cells. I believe that part of the solution to a better informed public is articles such as this designed to disseminate knowledge about scientific topics in lay terms.
Dr. Anthony Atala
Dr. Anthony Atala is the Director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine where he focuses on “growing new human cells, tissues, and organs.” Also a surgeon, professor, and Chair of the Department of Urology at Wake Forest, Dr. Atala has made significant contributions to the fields of tissue engineering and printable organs. In 2006, he and his research team at Wake Forest were the first to successfully develop and transplant a lab-grown organ (a bladder). Dr. Atala has received numerous distinctions for his contributions to science including the Christopher Columbus Foundation Award, bestowed by the U.S. Congress.