Human embryos donated for human embryonic stem cell derivation

Abstract

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), produced from human embryos, are demonstrating: utility and promise in disease modeling; enhanced and unique understanding of early events in basic genetic or molecular or cellular or epigenetic development; novel human approaches to pharmaceutical screening; pathways toward the discoveries of disease treatments and cures; and foundational importance for regenerative medicine. The regulatory landscape is rigorous, and rightly so. Here, we discuss the current US federal and state regulatory environment. A unique approach of presenting anonymized embryo donor statements is provided to personalize the decision-making process of human embryo donation for hESC derivation. From the uses of preimplantation genetic-tested and affected human embryos to derived disease-specific hESCs, one can glean the much needed information on early human genetics and developmental biology, which are presented here. Finally, we discuss the future uses of hESCs, and other pluripotent stem cells, in general and reproductive medicine.

Keywords: Human embryos; human embryonic stem cells; preimplantation genetic testing.