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Alternative Means to Obtain Pluripotent Stem Cells

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Book cover Stem Cells, Human Embryos and Ethics

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The isolation and use of pluripotent stem cell lines from human embryos is ethically controversial because it normally involves the destruction of embryos. Pluripotent human stem cells are by definition able to produce all cell types in adult individuals. Thus, they are highly valuable as research tools for both basic and applied research, in addition to an anticipated usage in regenerative medicine. Currently, the human embryo is the main source of pluripotent stem cells. Recently, however, a number of alternative strategies has been proposed indicating that pluripotent stem cells can be obtained without destructing viable human embryos. I will here give an introduction to some of these alternative strategies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Norwegian Biotechnology Advisory Board, Norway

    Ole Johan Borge

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  1. Ole Johan Borge
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  1. MF Norwegian School of Theology, 0302, Oslo, Norway

    Lars Østnor

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Borge, O.J. (2008). Alternative Means to Obtain Pluripotent Stem Cells. In: Østnor, L. (eds) Stem Cells, Human Embryos and Ethics. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-6989-5_3

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