Why do scientists want to use stem cell lines?

Answer: 

Stem cell lines grown in the lab provide scientists with the opportunity to "engineer" them for use in transplantation or treatment of diseases. For example, before scientists can use any type of tissue, organ, or cell for transplantation, they must overcome attempts by a patient's immune system to reject the transplant. In the future, scientists may be able to modify human stem cell lines in the laboratory by using gene therapy or other techniques to overcome this immune rejection. Scientists might also be able to replace damaged genes or add new genes to stem cells to give them characteristics that can ultimately treat diseases.

Learn More:

• Stem Cell Basics (NIH)

Last Updated: 5/1/2008