Release date: 2016-09-18
Lead: In today's society where human civilization, science and technology are highly developed, human beings still face the problems of life and death. In daily life, an item can be extended for a period of time by returning to the factory for maintenance. Can humans withstand a disease with a certain technology? Scientists have discovered that a class of pluripotent stem cells, through proliferation, differentiation, and regeneration, produces new, healthy organs and tissues that solve the problem of prolonging human life. How is it achieved? What kind of development will there be? To this end, the Chinese Academy of Sciences SELF Forum X Mozi Salon Innovation Conference invited the academician of Shaogang to conduct an in-depth interpretation.
Expert introduction
Handan Steel
Professor of Tongji University
Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
Academician of the Academy of Developing Countries (TWAS)
Convener of the expert group of the National Major Scientific Research Program for Stem Cell Research
Editor-in-Chief of Cell Research
Has long been engaged in molecular cell biology and signal transduction research
---Can stem cells really live forever? ---
The life on earth we know now, humans, animals, plants, and the microscopic world that is invisible to the naked eye, are all composed of cells. So how do the living things multiply, change, and evolve, and form a complex world of thousands, all relying on these many cells at work. Cells also come in a variety of different classifications, one of which is very specific and possesses an important function that other cells do not have—continuous reproduction, self-replication, and self-renewal. Such cells are stem cells.
Which cells are considered to be stem cells? For example, humans and animals have evolved from fertilized eggs, and the fertilized eggs continue to divide and differentiate, gradually forming what we call "embryo". The various organs of our body and their functions are obtained from fertilized eggs. Therefore, fertilized eggs are a very primitive type of cells that have the potential to develop into various tissues and organs in adults. Such a cell that has other various cellular potentials like this is a stem cell. The most accessible way for stem cells is also obtained from embryos, so it is also called embryonic stem cells.
--- Stem cells that will "traverse" ---
For a person, life only once, on the axis of time, from birth to growth to maturity to death, to death, this is a one-way street that can not be reversed, so for us humans, life is precious. Our life begins with stem cells, which develop from the fertilized egg into an individual, and as time passes, it cannot turn. But scientists have been thinking about the question: Can cells turn around? Can you cross the initial state? From a specific cell, such as the cells on the nose, the cells of the eye, the cells of the head, can it cross back into a cell that has the potential to become another cell?
Ten years ago, Japanese scientist Yamanaka did an experiment in which he used a set of proteins to return a differentiated cell back to a state with stem cell potential. Such a reversal opened the door for human understanding of cell biology. The good vision of mankind's longevity and healthy longevity will see new hopes, as this is closely related to stem cells.
This method will greatly expand the application of stem cells, such as stomach disease, heart disease, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, etc., can be prevented or even treated by improving the function of stem cells.
--- The hero of human health in artificial organs ---
A car will always age and break some parts over time. At this time, we are used to sending it to the repair shop for repair. It is the tire changed for the tire, and the pump is broken and the pump is replaced. If human health can also be repaired, our life will be greatly delayed, and the quality of life will have a qualitative leap. As early as more than a hundred years ago, surgeons put forward the concept of "organ transplantation", but the biggest problem currently facing is the source of organs. Cars can be extended by replacing parts that are supplied by the parts manufacturer; whether humans can also replace some of our aging, unhealthy "parts" through "organ production plants." This is the organ engineering and tissue engineering we often talk about now.
Stem cells become an ideal material because it is a versatile cell. Under certain conditions, it can change from a specific cell to a stem cell, a kidney cell, a lung cell, a heart cell... and then through some necessary Condition, it can become an organ. Once this functional organ is formed, the supply to our organs will not be a problem, and human health and longevity will be better guaranteed.
--- Correctly look at the development of stem cells, can not be squandered ---
Everything has two sides. Like any other new science, stem cells can benefit human beings, but there are also some corresponding problems, especially ethical issues. We can't take it lightly, and we can't talk about it. Nowadays, the genetic editors that the scientific community pays more attention to have been criticized by the world. On the one hand, some of the natural genetic diseases of human beings can be treated and corrected in the genes through this technology, thereby rewriting the life of an individual. On the other hand, this kind of gene editing is operated on embryos or sperm and eggs. It is not just a person's life trajectory, but the development of all his descendants and even human beings. Science is an important weapon, method and means for the progress of human civilization. We must not be afraid of it. We must operate with a rational attitude within the scope of socially acceptable morality. There is a good side to one thing, and there are also bad aspects. You can't give up the whole good side because of some bad aspects. I hope that you don't waste your food.
Stem cell research has developed very rapidly in our country and has now become the second largest in the world. In the past decade, it has achieved many remarkable results. We should see good hopes because it will have a huge impact on society, the development of the entire economy, and the health of the people.
Source: China Science Expo SELF Gezhi Road Forum Mozi Salon
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