News

Perfect Match: Embryonic stem cells carry patients’ DNA

By Christen Brownlee

- More than 2 years ago

Made-to-order stem cells that genetically match a patient’s own tissues could provide a perfect patch for replacing cells damaged by injury or disease. This approach would avoid immune rejection (SN: 4/2/05, p. 218).

LOOKING AHEAD. Stem cells cloned from a 6-year-old girl with juvenile diabetes are differentiating into retinal cells (black). Science

By priming embryonic cells with genetic material derived from people with problems that stem cells may one day treat, researchers have isolated 11 new lines of stem cells that exactly match the patients’ own DNA.