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Roslin experts reveal major stem-cell breakthrough ALAN RODEN HEALTH REPORTER ( ) A MAJOR scientific breakthrough in stem cell research was today revealed by Lothian experts in a move that could lead to huge advances in medical treatment. For the first time, scientists from Roslin have managed to create new stem cells from a clinically unusable human egg. In the long-term, the development could have major implications for research into illnesses such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, liver disease and diabetes as well as offering hope to infertile couples. The breakthrough was made by Roslin Cells Limited, a spin-off company from the world-famous Roslin Institute in Midlothian. Until now, eggs used in research that failed to fertilise - and could not develop into a viable human embryo - were routinely discarded. But with a major shortage of embryos available for research, today's announcement means these eggs could now still be used to produce embryonic stem cells. Stem cell researchers can study diseases and develop new treatments, such as drugs for the prevention of illnesses like cancer. Because of their potentially unlimited capacity for self-renewal, embryonic stem cell therapies have been proposed for regenerative medicine and tissue replacement after injury or disease - although to date, there are no approved medical treatments. Speaking at the annual meeting of the International Society for Stem Cell Research in Australia, Dr Paul De Sousa - Roslin Cells' chief scientific officer - said: "Typically up to 30 per cent of eggs in an IVF treatment cycle will be unusable as they fail to fertilise or do so abnormally. "These eggs could not develop into a viable embryo and are therefore normally discarded in routine IVF treatment. "Until now, it has been thought that they are also incapable of producing embryonic stem cells. "My team at Roslin Cells has been working with colleagues at the Central Manchester and Manchester Children's University Hospitals Trust and the University of Manchester, to develop techniques to stimulate these eggs so that the cells divide and develop. "Shortly after this process starts, we are able to extract embryonic stem cells. The new cell line which we have produced in this way, demonstrates that embryonic stem cells can be produced from tissue which was previously not considered of use to stem cell research." Funding to support the work carried out by Roslin Cells and the team in Manchester was provided by the UK Medical Research Council. Roslin Cells was established last year with initial funding of £1.7 million from Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian, with support from Edinburgh University and the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service. The body is designed to consolidate the expertise developed by the Roslin Institute, where scientists created Dolly the sheep - the first mammal to be cloned from an adult cell. Dave Anderson, senior director of operations at Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian, said: "This development is another demonstration of the world-class scientific expertise that we have in Scotland and its potential to grow Scotland's economy. "It not only has the potential to transform the lives of people suffering from some of the most debilitating conditions but also to maintain Scotland's position as a global leader in regenerative medicine." This article: http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=961032007 Last updated: 19-Jun-07 14:09 BST Rayilyn Brown Board Member AZNPF Arizona Chapter National Parkinson's Foundation [log in to unmask] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn