Stem cell divide bridged?; Both sides in research debate welcome breakthrough
By Drew Volturo, Delaware State News



DOVER — For two years, Delaware lawmakers and residents have been pitted in a volatile and emotional ethical debate surrounding embryonic stem cell research and whether the First State should put out the welcome mat for those wanting to conduct the research.

Two measures designed to regulate the controversial research have sputtered in consecutive years in the House, when opponents of the practice sent in thousands of red roses as a protest.

Nonetheless, when Senate Bill 5 was soundly defeated 30-7 in June, some supporters said they planned to revive the legislation when the General Assembly reconvenes in January.

But the issue might fall by the wayside in light of last month’s revelation that scientists have created the equivalent of embryonic stem cells using ordinary skin cells — without destroying or using a human embryo.

“Reprogramming adult skin cells presents researchers with everything they need without the ethical pitfalls of embryonic stem cell research,” said David Crossan, executive director of A Rose and A Prayer, a lobbying group that formed last year in opposition to the legislation.


“This should eliminate the need for SB 5. Everything sought through SB 5 and more can be achieved without destroying human life.”

SB 5 would have created an advisory council to oversee stem cell research, ban reproductive cloning of human beings and outlaw the sale of human embryos.

The measure cleared the Senate in March, but its chief sponsor in that chamber is questioning whether there still is a need for the bill with the skin cell breakthrough.

“It tickles me because the issue of right and wrong — I can’t see how people on the other side could oppose (skin cell reprogramming),” said Sen. Robert L. Venables Sr., D-Laurel.

“With the opposition out there and the new information, my intent is to let (SB 5) lie. I still think I did it for the right reasons.”



Embryonic stem cells from human embryos excite supporters because the cells can evolve into any cell type, such as heart, nerve and brain.

Scientists hope that capability could eventually lead to treatments for a wide range of ailments, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease), Parkinson’s, spinal cord injuries, strokes, heart disease and diabetes.

But opponents have said the research would legalize the killing of embryos and permit cloning through somatic cell nuclear transfer.

That’s where last month’s breakthrough could serve as a bridge between the two factions.

Research teams in the United States and Japan showed that a simple lab technique can rival the complex and highly controversial idea of extracting stem cells from cloned embryos.

The new technique reprograms cells, giving them the chameleon-like qualities of embryonic stem cells.

As with embryonic cells, the hope is to speed medical research. For example, one day an ailing patient might benefit from genetically matched healthy tissue that would replace damaged cells.

SB 5’s lead sponsor in the House, Rep. Deborah D. Hudson, R-Wilmington, said she is thrilled with the recent breakthrough, but doesn’t see a direct correlation between the skin cell reprogramming and SB 5.

“SB 5 was regulatory over embryonic stem cell research,” Rep. Hudson said. “It’s already legal in Delaware. In some ways, the breakthrough has nothing to do with the bill.”

But given the massive opposition to the bill in June, Rep. Hudson said she doesn’t plan to revive it in January.



“This is an issue that people really have preconceived thoughts on,” she said. “Either they’re for it or they’re against it. It’s just such an emotional issue.”

Throughout the year, A Rose and A Prayer and pro-embryonic stem cell research group Stem Cell Go lined up supporters on each side, waging a war of words, highlighted by heartfelt testimony from those suffering from debilitating illnesses.

A Rose and A Prayer flooded Legislative Hall with more than 3,500 roses for representatives, while Stem Cell Go delivered Lifesaver candies.

The national landscape has been equally combative.

No federal money was available for embryonic stem cell research until 2001, when President Bush allowed strictly limited funding.

Twice, President Bush has vetoed legislation sponsored by Rep. Michael N. Castle, R-Del., that would bolster embryonic stem cell research, and the issue might have to lie dormant until after the 2008 elections, the congressman said.

Like many embryonic stem cell supporters, Rep. Castle said the skin cell reprogramming could be research that both camps can back.

Additionally, the use of skin cells could resolve a concern surrounding traditional embryonic stem cells — that a person’s body could reject the stem cells because they come from someone else, he said.

Reprogrammed skin cells could come from the same person being treated.

“Patient-specific stem cells would be a magic solution,” said Rep. Castle, adding that both types of research should continue in the meantime, until all issues surrounding skin cells can be worked out.

At this point, the technique disrupts the DNA of the skin cells, and that creates the potential for developing cancer. So it would be unacceptable for transplanting into a patient.

But the DNA disruption is just a byproduct of the technique, and experts said they believe it can be avoided.

Stem Cell Go founder Stephanie L. Hansen, a former New Castle County council president, said she plans on talking to embryonic stem cell supporters in the House to see whether there “the political will” to revive SB 5.

Rep. Hudson said more time might need to pass before bringing the matter back to the floor.

“I think a little more time for breakthrough advances or a company wanting to do embryonic stem cell research here might bring this to the people’s interest,” she said.

But Mr. Crossan with A Rose and A Prayer is adamant that June’s 30-7 defeat should be a clear statement.

“Our hope is that we don’t see SB 5 or any other bill like it again,” he said.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

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Staff writer Drew Volturo can be reached at 741-8296 or dvolturo@newszap.com
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