Thursday, October 11, 2007

[StemCellInformation] Digest Number 713

Messages In This Digest (6 Messages)

Messages

1.

The Need for Research to Explore the Potential of Human Stem Cells

Posted by: "Stephen Meyer" meyer74@bellsouth.net   stephen_meyer_stemcells

Wed Oct 10, 2007 6:10 pm (PST)



Testimony

Statement by
Story C. Landis, Ph.D.,
Director
National Institute of Neurological Disorders
National Institutes of Health
Department of Health and Human Services

on
The Promise and the Challenge of Stem Cell Research

before
Committee on Appropriations, and the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions
Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related
Agencies
United States Senate

Friday, January 19, 2007

Opening Remarks

I am pleased to appear before you today to testify about the science of
stem cell research. I look forward to discussing ongoing federal
support of both embryonic and non-embryonic stem cell research and
scientific progress, including the recently published findings on
amniotic fluid stem cells and other studies raising the possibility that
non-embryonic stem cells have similar properties allowing them to
differentiate into many different cell types.

The Need for Research to Explore the Potential of Human Stem Cells

Stem cells are cells that can multiply without changing, that is,
self-renew, or can differentiate to produce specialized cell types. Stem
cells have been derived from both embryonic and non-embryonic tissues,
and these cells have different characteristics. Both embryonic and
non-embryonic stem cells show potential for developing treatments for
human diseases and injuries. Because of this, this Administration in
2001 became the first to fund research on human embryonic as well as
adult stem cells. There are many ways in which human stem cells might
be used in basic and clinical research. However, only further research
will overcome the technical hurdles between the potential of stem cells
and the realization of these uses.

The most obvious potential application of human stem cells would be the
generation of cells and tissues for cell-based therapies. Stem cells,
directed to differentiate into specific cell types, offer the
possibility of a renewable source of replacement cells and tissues to
treat a number of common diseases and disorders, including
Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, heart
disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

To realize the potential of stem cell-based therapies for pervasive and
debilitating diseases, scientists must learn to reliably manipulate stem
cells so that they possess the necessary characteristics for successful
differentiation, transplantation, and engraftment. Although scientists
are making progress, we cannot yet control the differentiation of stem
cells adequately. To be useful for transplant purposes, stem cells
must:

* Proliferate extensively and generate sufficient quantities of
specialized cells.
* Differentiate into the desired cell type(s). * Survive in the
recipient after transplant. * Integrate into the surrounding tissue
after transplant. * Function appropriately for extended periods of
time. * Avoid harming the recipient in any way.

Stem cells have many other potential uses. Studies of human embryonic
stem cells, for example, yield information about the complex events that
occur during the initial stages of human development. A primary goal of
this research is to identify the molecular mechanisms that allow
undifferentiated stem cells to differentiate into one of the several
hundred different cell types that make up the human body. Scientists
know that turning genes on and off is central to this process. A
significant challenge for stem cell research is that scientists do not
yet fully understand the signals that turn specific genes on and off to
influence the differentiation of the stem cell into a specialized cell
with a specific function, like a nerve cell. This knowledge not only
offers the opportunity to learn how to control stem cells from both
embryonic and non-embryonic sources, but also to better understand the
cause of a number of serious diseases, including those that affect
infants and children, which in turn could lead to new and more effective
intervention strategies and treatments.

Among other applications, human stem cells could also be used to speed
the development of new drugs. Initially testing thousands of potential
drugs on cells in cell culture is potentially far more efficient than
testing drugs in live animals. In vitro systems are useful in
predicting in vivo responses and provide the benefits of requiring fewer
animals,requiring less test material,and enabling higher throughput.
New medications could be tested for safety on the specific types of
human cells that are affected in disease by deriving these cells from
human stem cell lines. Other kinds of cell lines are already used in
this way. Cancer cell lines, for example, are used to screen potential
anti-tumor drugs. The availability of useful stem cell lines could
allow drug testing in a wider range of cell types. However, scientists
must learn to control the differentiation of stem cells into the
specific cell type on which drugs will be tested.

Federal Funding of Stem Cell Research

NIH has acted quickly and aggressively to provide support for this
research in accordance with the President’s 2001 stem cell
policy. Since 2001, NIH has invested nearly $3 billion on all forms of
stem cell research. Within this total, NIH has contributed more than
$130 million in research studying human embryonic stem cells, more than
$1.1 billion on research using human non-embryonic stem cells, nearly
$509 million on nonhuman embryonic, and more than $1.2 billion on
nonhuman non-embryonic stem cells.

Additionally, in FY 2007, it is projected that NIH will spend more than
$30 million on human embryonic stem cell research and about $200 million
on human non-embryonic stem cell research, while also investing nearly
$100 million on nonhuman embryonic stem cell research and more than $270
million on nonhuman non-embryonic stem cell research.

In addition to this ample support, NIH has encouraged stem cell research
through the establishment of an NIH Stem Cell Task Force, a Stem Cell
Information Web Site, an Embryonic Stem Cell Characterization Unit,
training courses in the culturing of human embryonic stem cells, support
for multidisciplinary teams of stem cell investigators, and a National
Stem Cell Bank and Centers of Excellence in Translational Human Stem
Cell Research, as well as through extensive investigator initiated
research. NIH determined that access to hESC lines listed on the NIH
Stem Cell Registry and the lack of trained scientists with the ability
to culture hESCs were obstacles to moving this field of research
forward. To remove these potential barriers, the National Stem Cell
Bank and the providers on the NIH Stem Cell Registry together have
currently made over 700 shipments of the hESC cell lines that are
eligible for federal funding, as posted on the NIH Stem Cell Registry
web site. In addition, the NIH-supported hESC training courses have
taught over 200 scientists the techniques necessary to culture these
cells. We plan to continue to aggressively fund this exciting area of
science.

NIH-supported scientists have developed efficient techniques to derive
dopamine-producing nerve cells from human embryonic stem cells. The
loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells is responsible for the movement
problems of Parkinson’s disease. When grafted into the brain of
a rat model for Parkinson’s disease, the stem cell-derived
dopamine cells significantly improved the animals’ movement.
However, after three months of transplantation, the scientists found
that treated rats’ brains contained groups of undifferentiated
cells that had become tumors. (Nature Medicine 12:1259â€"1268
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&do\
pt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=17057709&query_hl=1&itool=pubmed_docsum> ,
laboratory of S. Goldman). This had not been observed in other studies
that transplanted neural stem cells and emphasizes the need for
scientists to learn to better regulate cell division in transplanted
pluripotent stem cells, whatever the source, before they may serve as a
renewable source of replacement dopamine-producing nerve cells to treat
Parkinson’s disease in humans. These results demonstrate both
the potential and the challenge of stem cell research.

In recent years, NIH-supported scientists have demonstrated that even
the adult human brain can generate new nerve cells. Studies focused on
encouraging the innate potential of stem cells that are normally present
in the adult brain are another avenue of research that has also shown
potential for treating Parkinson’s disease. In recent
experiments, researchers used drugs to activate adult stem cells in the
brains of adult rats with experimental Parkinson’s disease, which
increased the proliferation of replacement cells and improved movement
(The Journal of Neuroscience 26:7272-7280, laboratory of C. Eckman).

Currently, scientists are also using stem cells from a variety of
sources to help animals with spinal cord injuries regain movement.
Human embryonic stem cells have been coaxed into becoming a type of cell
that repaired damaged nerve fiber insulation called myelin (The Journal
of Neuroscience 25:4694â€"4705
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&do\
pt=Abstract&list_uids=15888645&query_hl=2> , laboratory of H.S.
Keirstead). Human non-embryonic neural stem cells helped replace
damaged rat spinal cord nerve cells and myelin (Proceedings of the
National Academy of Sciences of the USA 102:14069â€"14074
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&do\
pt=Abstract&list_uids=16172374&query_hl=7&itool=pubmed_docsum> ,
laboratory of A.J. Anderson). NIH-supported scientists now report that
they can use mouse embryonic stem cells to make functional motor
neurons, which are the spinal cord cells that send long nerve fibers
called axons (the threadlike extensions on a neuron, or nerve cell,
which conducts nerve impulses) to connect with leg muscles and other
muscles used to move the body. The scientists combined several methods
to coax the mouse embryonic stem cells to become motor neurons, to
overcome molecules that restrain axon growth in adults, and to attract
the motor neuron axons to the correct muscles. Previously paralyzed
rats treated with the motor neurons were able to move their legs again,
although they could not walk or grip with their feet as well as
uninjured rats. This research gives scientists insight on how they
might one day replace human motor neurons damaged by spinal cord
injuries and motor neuron diseases such as Lou Gehrig's disease
(amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS) and spinal muscular atrophies.
(Annals of Neurology 60(1)32â€"44
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&do\
pt=Abstract&list_uids=16802299&query_hl=2&itool=pubmed_docsum> ,
laboratory of D. Kerr)

Japanese and NIH-funded scientists used mouse embryonic stem cells to
make liver-like cells to create an implantable bioartificial liver.
Chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatitis affect 25 million
Americans and scientists hope to overcome the shortage of organs
available for transplants by using liver cells derived from stem cells
to replace lost liver function. This implanted device uses liver cells
to replace some liver function. Ninety percent of mice with liver
failure that were implanted with the bioartificial liver survived at
least three times longer than the untreated mice. If scientists can
repeat these results with liver cells made from human stem cells, the
technique offers potential both to individuals born with liver problems
and to those who develop liver disease later in life. (Nature
Biotechnology 24:1412â€"1419
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&do\
pt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=17086173&query_hl=3&itool=pubmed_docsum> ,
laboratory of I. Fox).

Amniotic Fluid Derived Stem Cells

As you all know, there has been much interest in the recently published
article in Nature Biotechnology by Dr. Anthony Atala and colleagues at
Wake Forest University regarding stem cells isolated from the amniotic
fluid that cushions the developing fetus in the uterus. Amniotic fluid
is collected from pregnant women during amniocentesis to test for a
variety of congenital and developmental diseases and disorders.
Scientists have previously reported that some of these cells can
differentiate into fat, muscle, bone, and nerve cells. Dr.
Atala’s work extends our knowledge of the properties of these
amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (AFS).

Dr. Atala and colleagues showed that AFS could produce cells that
originate from each of the three embryonic germ layers that give rise to
all of the cells in the body. More specifically, the scientists were
able to develop in-vitro conditions that produced nerve cells, liver
cells, and bone-forming cells from AFS. The AFS-derived human nerve
cells were able to make proteins typical of specialized nerve cells and
were able to integrate into a mouse brain and survive for at least two
months, although it is not yet clear whether these cells have all the
properties of normal neurons. They also showed that AFS cells were also
self-renewing and maintained the normal number of chromosomes after a
long time in culture over many cell divisions. However,
undifferentiated AFS did not make all of the proteins expected in
embryonic stem cells, and they were not shown to form a teratoma (a germ
cell tumor), one of the essential characteristics of embryonic stem
cells. Thus, given the characteristics of AFS, scientists conclude that
these cells may be multipotent rather than pluripotent. Although
scientists do not yet know how many different cell types AFS are capable
of generating, banked AFS may one day enable the generation of
tissue-matched cells for transplantation into humans.

Conclusion

Since 2001, NIH has aggressively pursued research using embryonic and
non-embryonic stem cells that will be useful for basic, translational,
and clinical studies. We are continuing to move this research forward
through training programs, the establishment of the NIH stem cell
characterization unit, and the many grants that have been made to
scientists to explore stem cell research. With NIH support, scientists
have already made remarkable progress in understanding human embryonic
stem cells, and we will provide continued support for these research
efforts, consistent with Administration policy.
I will be more than happy to answer any questions.

Last revised: October 03,2007

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2.

Pluripotency Redux — Advances in Stem-Cell Research

Posted by: "Stephen Meyer" meyer74@bellsouth.net   stephen_meyer_stemcells

Wed Oct 10, 2007 6:12 pm (PST)


NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE Volume 357:1469-1472

October 11, 2007
<http://content.nejm.org/content/vol357/issue15/index.shtml>
[ ]

Number 15
Next [Next]
<http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/357/15/1472?query=nextarrow>
Pluripotency Redux — Advances in Stem-Cell Research
John Gearhart, Ph.D., Evanthia E. Pashos, B.Sc., and Megana K. Prasad,
B.Sc.
[ ]
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[More Information]
[ ] [ ] [ ] A cell's ability to give to rise to all the cell
types of the embryo and the adult organism is called pluripotency.
Pluripotent cells are found within mammalian blastocysts and persist
briefly in embryos after implantation. Embryonic stem cells, derived
from the inner cell mass of blastocysts, are a renewable source of
pluripotent stem cells that are proving valuable in basic science
studies and may eventually become a source of cells for safe, effective
cell-based therapies. Much embryonic stem-cell research has focused on
determining the molecular signature of pluripotency, and a picture is
emerging of a complex interaction among transcription factor networks,
signaling pathways, and epigenetic processes involving modifications in
the structure of DNA, histones, and chromatin.
Deciphering the molecular basis of pluripotency will facilitate the
development of procedures for efficiently deriving patient-specific stem
cells. In somatic-cell nuclear transfer, which has held the greatest
promise for generating such cell lines, the nucleus of a somatic cell is
introduced into an enucleated oocyte or mitotic zygote and is
"reprogrammed" to an embryonic state, resulting in the formation of a
blastocyst from which embryonic stem cells can be derived. Although this
procedure has been demonstrated in animals, it has yet to be
accomplished with human oocytes or zygotes. An alternative approach to
reprogramming a somatic cell is to fuse it with an embryonic stem cell,
but the resulting hybrid pluripotent cell is tetraploid and of limited
practical application.
Against this background, a study published last year by Takahashi and
Yamanaka1 <http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/357/15/1469#R1>
surprised and excited stem-cell biologists. Using a novel strategy, the
investigators showed that fibroblasts derived from tissues of adult and
fetal mice could be induced to become embryonic-stem-cell–like cells
with the introduction of four genes expressing transcription factors.
Twenty-four genes were initially chosen as candidates on the basis of
their preferential expression in embryonic stem cells or their known
roles in the maintenance of such cells or in cell-cycle regulation.
These genes were introduced into fibroblasts isolated from mouse embryos
and adult tail tips in a combinatorial manner through retroviral
transduction.
Fibroblasts that are induced to become pluripotent stem cells were
selected through the expression of Fbx15, a gene known to be expressed
in pluripotent cells. The investigators discovered that only four
factors — encoded by Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc — were
sufficient to induce pluripotency (see diagram
<http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/357/15/1469#F1> ). The induced
pluripotent stem cells had some properties of embryonic stem cells: they
formed teratomas when grafted into immunocompromised mice, and they
formed embryoid bodies (aggregates of embryonic stem cells that can
spontaneously differentiate). However, they differed substantially from
embryonic stem cells in their gene-expression and epigenetic profiles,
and they failed to form live-born chimeric pups when injected into
blastocysts.
[Figure 1]
<http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/357/15/1469/F1>
View larger version (44K):
[in this window]
<http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/357/15/1469/F1>
[in a new window]
<http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content-nw/full/357/15/1469/F1>
[Get Slide] <http://content.nejm.org/cgi/powerpoint/357/15/1469/F1>
Induction of Pluripotent Stem Cells through Retroviral Transduction.
Retrovirally encoded transcription factor genes were introduced into
mouse embryonic and adult fibroblasts. After integration and expression
of the transgenes, the fibroblasts were reprogrammed to pluripotency.

Recently, the generation of higher-quality induced pluripotent stem
cells has been reported in three independent studies.2
<http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/357/15/1469#R2> ,3
<http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/357/15/1469#R3> ,4
<http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/357/15/1469#R4> The new lines
not only resemble embryonic stem cells more closely in their
transcriptional and chromatin-modification profiles but are capable of
generating adult chimeric mice with contributions to the germ line —
the most rigorous test for pluripotency. The main procedural difference
between the production of these lines and that of Takahashi and
Yamanaka's line was the selection scheme for identifying the
reprogrammed cells. The initial strategy relied on the induced
expression of Fbx15 in the transduced fibroblasts. This gene is
expressed in embryonic stem cells but is not required for pluripotency.
The recent studies were designed to select for expression of Nanog or
Oct3/4, which are essential for pluripotency and embryonic stem-cell
identity.
The molecular changes characteristic of pluripotency occurred gradually
during weeks in culture. How these four factors induced reprogramming is
unknown, but their known roles suggest hypotheses. Oct3/4 and Sox2,
along with Nanog, form a core regulatory network for pluripotency in
embryonic stem cells. Oct3/4–/– embryos die in utero because of
defects in the inner cell mass; Oct3/4 repression in mouse embryonic
stem cells results in a loss of pluripotency and differentiation into
trophectoderm, and Oct3/4 overexpression leads to the loss of
pluripotency and differentiation into primitive endoderm and mesoderm.
Similarly, Sox2-null mice die during the peri-implantation period
because of epiblast defects, and Sox2 knockdown in embryonic stem cells
leads to trophectoderm differentiation. (Pluripotency is known to be
maintained by a few transcription factors, including Oct3/4, Sox2, and
Nanog. We hypothesize that the dispensibility of Nanog as an introduced
factor in these experiments can be explained by the induced expression
of the endogenous Nanog gene by cooperativity between Oct3/4 and Sox2.)
The proto-oncogene c-Myc is believed to regulate the expression of 15%
of all genes, including genes involved in cell division, cell growth,
and apoptosis. It exerts its effects on transcriptional targets through
various mechanisms — there are positive effects from recruitment of
histone-modifying enzymes, general transcriptional machinery, and
chromatin-remodeling complexes and negative effects from recruitment of
DNA methyltransferases. In many contexts, c-Myc drives cell
proliferation and inhibits differentiation, as in mouse embryonic stem
cells. Such cells proliferate and remain in an undifferentiated state in
culture when the cytokine leukemia inhibitory factor is provided, but
forced expression of c-Myc eliminates the requirement for this factor.
Surprisingly, c-Myc behaves quite differently in human embryonic stem
cells, where it induces apoptosis and differentiation. Given that tumors
developed in 20% of mice derived from induced pluripotent stem cells
owing to the reactivation of the c-Myc transgene,2
<http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/357/15/1469#R2> it is clear
that we must determine which role of c-Myc is essential to reprogramming
to obviate the need for introducing the proto-oncogene into cells. The
use of a series of c-Myc–deletion mutants may clarify its role in
reprogramming.
Klf4 promotes self-renewal of mouse embryonic stem cells, probably
through a leukemia-inhibitory-factor–dependent pathway. A recent
report suggests that Klf4 behaves in a context-dependent manner,
mediating a cytostatic function by repressing p53, a repressor of Nanog,
or by promoting cell proliferation in collaboration with the H-RasV12
oncogene.
The identification and characterization of the responsive cells in the
target population of primary fibroblasts may also help us understand
these results. The low efficiency with which induced pluripotent stem
cells were generated (<0.01%, despite a 50% transduction rate) may
indicate that only a subgroup of cells can be induced to pluripotency.
The skin, a complex tissue with robust regenerative capabilities,
contains a variety of stem cells, including epidermal, mesenchymal,
neural crest–derived, and stem cells or progenitors from the
circulation. Fibroblasts derived from the skin represent a heterogeneous
population of cells. Skin fibroblasts from various anatomical sites have
distinct gene-expression patterns, varying in terms of the genes
involved in pattern formation, cell–cell signaling, extracellular
matrix synthesis, and fate determination. Furthermore, fibroblasts from
a single skin region have widely varying morphologic and physiological
characteristics. Perhaps the induced stem cells are derived from a rare
fibroblast subpopulation that is already multipotential and more easily
induced to pluripotency. Determining the identity of such a
subpopulation may aid in increasing the efficiency of reprogramming.
Repeating these experiments with a variety of differentiated cell types
and subpopulations of fibroblasts from various tissue sources will be
informative.
Whether these four factors (or others) will be capable of inducing
pluripotency in human cells that will prove safe for use in cell
therapies remains unknown. Differences between human and mouse embryonic
stem cells in the mechanisms of pluripotency suggest that other factors
may be required to achieve similar results with human cells. Further
investigation of the factors is needed to elucidate their roles in
reprogramming and to ensure that we can avoid any detrimental effects
they may have on cells. Transient expression of factors (using vectors
that do not integrate into the genome) in fibroblasts or the
identification and use of small molecules that mimic the effects of the
factors would enable researchers to avoid the possibility of generating
mutations in the genome through random insertions and reactivation of
transgenes in the retroviral vectors.
Reprogramming of adult cells to generate patient-specific therapies
represents the future for stem-cell biologists. Inducing pluripotent
stem cells is the first successful way of instructing somatic cells to
become pluripotent by introducing defined factors. A recent report on
identifying induced pluripotent stem cells on the basis of morphologic
criteria alone brings us a step closer to translating this work safely
into human cells. Such identification would obviate the need for
transgenic reporter genes in the donor fibroblasts.5
<http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/357/15/1469#R5> Despite these
encouraging results, research on human embryonic stem cells should not
be impeded; such cells remain the gold standard for determining the
molecular basis of human tissue development and for developing
cell-based therapies for human diseases.

Source Information
Dr. Gearhart is a professor of gynecology and obstetrics, physiology,
comparative medicine, and biochemistry and molecular biology and the
director of the Stem Cell Biology Program at the Institute for Cell
Engineering, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, where Ms.
Pashos and Ms. Prasad are Ph.D. candidates in the Human Genetics and
Molecular Biology Program.

An interview <http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/357/15/1469/DC1>
with Dr. Douglas Melton, a scientific director of the Harvard Stem Cell
Institute and a professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular
Biology at Harvard University, can be heard at www.nejm.org.
References

1. Takahashi K, Yamanaka S. Induction of pluripotent stem cells from
mouse embryonic and adult fibroblast cultures by defined factors. Cell
2006;126:663-676. [CrossRef]
<http://content.nejm.org/cgi/external_ref?access_num=10.1016/j.cell.2006\
.07.024&link_type=DOI> [ISI]
<http://content.nejm.org/cgi/external_ref?access_num=000240276700016&lin\
k_type=ISI> [Medline]
<http://content.nejm.org/cgi/external_ref?access_num=16904174&link_type=\
MED> 2. Okita K, Ichisaka T, Yamanaka S. Generation of
germline-competent induced pluripotent stem cells. Nature
2007;448:313-317. [CrossRef]
<http://content.nejm.org/cgi/external_ref?access_num=10.1038/nature05934\
&link_type=DOI> [Medline]
<http://content.nejm.org/cgi/external_ref?access_num=17554338&link_type=\
MED> 3. Wernig M, Meissner A, Foreman R, et al. In vitro
reprogramming of fibroblasts into a pluripotent ES-cell-like state.
Nature 2007;448:318-324. [CrossRef]
<http://content.nejm.org/cgi/external_ref?access_num=10.1038/nature05944\
&link_type=DOI> [Medline]
<http://content.nejm.org/cgi/external_ref?access_num=17554336&link_type=\
MED> 4. Maherali N, Sridharan R, Xie W, et al. Directly
reprogrammed fibroblasts show global epigenetic remodeling and
widespread tissue contribution. Cell Stem Cell 2007;1:55-70. 5.
Meissner A, Wernig M, Jaenisch R. Direct reprogramming of genetically
unmodified fibroblasts into pluripotent stem cells. Nat Biotechnol (in
press).

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3.

Stem Cell and Cloning Legislation in the 110th Congress

Posted by: "Stephen Meyer" meyer74@bellsouth.net   stephen_meyer_stemcells

Wed Oct 10, 2007 6:12 pm (PST)


Stem Cell and Cloning Legislation in the 110th Congress

(Continuing) Legislative Narrative

Version: 09/20/2007

DATE

DESCRIPTION
Quick Guide: = GalleryWatch Documents = Other News Items
= Bill Actions 09/20/2007 CRS Report
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/PHP_articledetails.gw?articleid=PHP%3AU\
S%3ACRS%3ARS21978> - Humane Treatment of Farm Animals: Overview and
Issues 09/18/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=210663> from the National Institutes of Health - NIH Announces Plan
to Implement President's Stem Cell Executive Order 09/10/2007
Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=209933> from the National Institutes of Health - Researchers Isolate
Adult Stem Cells for First Time in Tendon 07/19/2007
HR 3043
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL%3AUS%3A110%3AH\
R%3A03043> - Labor-HHS Appropriations

Passed as amended by (RCVote #686)
07/18/2007
HR 3043
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL%3AUS%3A110%3AH\
R%3A03043> - Labor-HHS Appropriations

Considered in the House
07/18/2007 CRS Report
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/PHP_articledetails.gw?articleid=PHP%3AU\
S%3ACRS%3ARL33540> - Stem Cell Research: Federal Research Funding and
Oversight 07/18/2007 CRS Report
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/PHP_articledetails.gw?articleid=PHP%3AU\
S%3ACRS%3ARL33554> - Stem Cell Research: Ethical Issues 07/17/2007
HR 3043
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL%3AUS%3A110%3AH\
R%3A03043> - Labor-HHS Appropriations

Considered in the House
07/13/2007
HR 3043
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL%3AUS%3A110%3AH\
R%3A03043> - Labor-HHS Appropriations

Report filed from House Committee on Appropriations (H.Rept. 110-231);
Introduced by Rep. David Obey (D-WI); Replaces HGW107
07/09/2007 CRS Report
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/PHP_articledetails.gw?articleid=PHP%3AU\
S%3ACRS%3ARL34076> - Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education:
FY2008 Appropriations 06/22/2007 Committee Report
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/pipefile.asp?type=pdf&sid=AGDOC%3A25364%3Ado\
cs/news/US/agdocs/25364_labor.report2.pdf> for the Department of Labor,
Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies
Appropriation Bill, 2008 (S.G.W. 107) - Text of the report as released
by the Senate Appropriations Committee on June 21, 2007 06/22/2007
Legislative Text
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/pipefile.asp?type=pdf&sid=AGDOC%3A25357%3Ado\
cs/news/US/agdocs/25357_laborbill.pdf> of the Fiscal '08 Labor, Health
and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Bill (S.G.W. 107) -
Legislative text as it passed the Senate Appropriations Committee on
June 21, 2007 06/21/2007
HR 2807
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL%3AUS%3A110%3AH\
R%3A02807> - Patients First Act of 2007

Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce; Introduced by Rep.
Randy Forbes (R-VA)
06/21/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=204734> from Sen. Mel Martinez: Martinez: Taxpayers Should Not be
Forced to Finance Destruction of Live Embryos 06/20/2007 Press
Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=204653> from Rep. Elijah Cummings: Cummings Decries President Bush's
Stem Cell Veto 06/20/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=204614> from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi: PELOSI -- Bush Veto of Stem
Cell Bill Says 'No' to the Hopes of Millions 06/20/2007 Press
Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=204609> from Rep. John Sarbanes - Congressman Sarbanes Supports Stem
Cell Research 06/20/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=204607> from the White House: Message to the Senate of the United
States 06/20/2007 Expanding Approved Stem Cell Lines In Ethically
Responsible Ways
Executive order
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/docs/news/US/agdocs/25324_bush_eo.htm>
issued by the president on June 20, 2007 06/20/2007
S 5
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:S:00005\
> - Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007

Veto message received in the Senate; Vetoed by the President
06/19/2007 Open Letter
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/pipefile.asp?type=pdf&sid=AGDOC%3A25295%3Ado\
cs/news/US/agdocs/25295_hodes-bush-62907.htm> to President Bush from
Rep. Paul Hodes - Letter urges the President to reconsider his threat to
veto the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (S. 5) 06/19/2007 Press
Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=204457> from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid: Reid Urges President
to Sign Stem Cell Bill, Give Hope to Millions of Americans
06/13/2007 RSC Report:
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/docs/news/US/agdocs/25172_rsc_s5.pdf>
Destruction of Human Embryos for Research - Report prepared by the
Republican Study Committee 06/13/2007 Letter
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/docs/news/US/agdocs/25163_KLEIN-BUSH-61207.h\
tm> to President Bush from Rep. Ron Klein Letter urges the President to
sign the "Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007" (S. 5)
06/12/2007

S 5
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:S:00005\
> - Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007

Presented to the President

06/08/2007

Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=203590> from Sen. Dianne Feinstein - Senator Feinstein Urges
President Bush to Immediately Sign Into Law Bipartisan Legislation to
Increase Federal Funding for Stem Cell Research

06/08/2007

Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=203592> from Sen. Hillary Clinton - Statement of Senator Hillary
Rodham Clinton on House Passage of Stem Cell Research Legislation
06/07/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=203540> from Rep. Charlie Melancon: Rep. Melancon Votes to Expand
Ethical Stem Cell Research 06/07/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=203533> from Rep. Eliot Engel: Engel Votes for Stem Cell Research
06/07/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=203530> from Rep. Michael Arcuri: Arcuri Votes for Life-Saving
Research 06/07/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=203518> from Rep. Paul Hodes: Rep. Hodes Votes to Pass Stem Cell
Research Bill, Giving Hope to Millions 06/07/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=203505> from the White House: Statement by the President
06/07/2007

S 5
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:S:00005\
> - Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007

Passed by (RCVote #443);Considered in the House

06/06/2007

S 5
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:S:00005\
> - Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007

Scheduled for House floor debate on 06/07/2007; Statement of
Administrative Policy
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/docs/news/US/agdocs/25006_SAPonS5HouseRules-\
-6607.pdf> released by the Office of Management and Budget on House
Rules Committee Consideration

06/06/2007

HR 2560
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:HR:0256\
0> - Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2007

The House has failed to pass the Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2007
(H.R. 2560) by roll call vote #439, 204 yeas to 213 nays. The bill
required a two-thirds majority to pass under the expedited procedure
used to consider the bill; Statement of Administration Policy
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/docs/news/US/agdocs/25004_SAPonHR2560=6607.p\
df> released by the Office of Management and Budget on House
consideration

06/05/2007

HR 2560
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:HR:0256\
0> - Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2007

Scheduled for House floor debate on 06/06/2007; Referred to House
Committee on Energy and Commerce; Introduced by Rep. Diana DeGette
(D-CO)
06/05/2007 CRS Report
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/PHP_articledetails.gw?articleid=PHP:US:\
CRS:RS21044> - Background and Legal Issues Related to Stem Cell
Research 05/09/2007 CRS Report
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/PHP_articledetails.gw?articleid=PHP:US:\
CRS:RL33554> - Stem Cell Research: Ethical Issues 05/08/2007 CRS
Report
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/PHP_articledetails.gw?articleid=PHP:US:\
CRS:RL33540> - Stem Cell Research: Federal Research Funding and
Oversight 05/03/2007 CRS Report
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/PHP_articledetails.gw?articleid=PHP:US:\
CRS:RS21978> - Humane Treatment of Farm Animals: Overview and Issues
04/27/2007 CRS Report
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/PHP_articledetails.gw?articleid=PHP:US:\
CRS:RL33554&type=CRS> - Stem Cell Research: Federal Research Funding
and Oversight 04/27/2007 CRS Report
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/PHP_articledetails.gw?articleid=PHP:US:\
CRS:RL33554&type=CRS> - Stem Cell Research: Ethical Issues
04/20/2007 CRS Report
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/PHP_articledetails.gw?articleid=PHP:US:\
CRS:RS21044> - Background and Legal Issues Related to Stem Cell
Research
04/17/2007

HR 1892
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:HR:0189\
2> - National Amniotic and Placental Stem Cell Bank Act of 2007

Introduced by Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL); Referred to House Committee on
Energy and Commerce
04/17/2007 CRS Report
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/PHP_articledetails.gw?articleid=PHP:US:\
CRS:RS22526> - Animal Agriculture: Selected Issues for Congress
04/16/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=198847> from Sen. Barbara Mikulski: Mikulski Says Cuts To NIH Are
Stalling Critical Medical Discoveries
04/16/2007

S 30
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:S:00030\
> - Hope Offered through Principled and Ethical Stem Cell Research Act

Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce

04/12/2007

S 5
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:S:00005\
> - Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007

Received in the House, after passage in the Senate

04/12/2007

S 30
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:S:00030\
> - Hope Offered through Principled and Ethical Stem Cell Research Act

Received in the House, after passage in the Senate
04/12/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=198701> from Sen. Tom Coburn: Coburn Disappointed Senate Diverts
Funds from Ethical Stem Cell Research 04/12/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=198673> from Sen. Ben Cardin: Cardin Votes to Expand Life-Saving Stem
Cell Research 04/12/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=198644> from Sen. Mel Martinez: Martinez Opposes Taxpayer Financing
of Embryonic Stem Cell Research 04/12/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=198639> from Sen. Patty Murray : Stem Cell Bill Passes Senate with
Murray's Vote 04/12/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=198637> from Sen. Ted Stevens : Senator Stevens Votes to Support Stem
Cell Research 04/12/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=198635> from Sen. Blanche Lincoln: Lincoln: Stem Cell Legislation
Offers Hope 04/12/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=198629> from Sen. Barbara Mikulski: Mikulski: Stem Cell Research is
About Saving Lives, Not Party Lines 04/12/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=198626> from Sen. Barack Obama : Obama Renews Support for Embryonic
Stem Cell Research 04/11/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=198551> from Sen. Sam Brownback: Brownback Showcases Merits of
Ethical Adult Stem Cell Research 04/11/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=198537> from Rep. Dave Weldon: Newest Adult Stem Therapy Treats
Diabetes
04/11/2007

S 5
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:S:00005\
> - Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007

Passed Senate by (RCVote #127); Considered in the Senate

04/11/2007

S 30
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:S:00030\
> - Hope Offered through Principled and Ethical Stem Cell Research Act

Passed Senate by (RCVote #128); Considered in the Senate
04/10/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=198479> from Sen. Sam Brownback Brownback to Highlight Ethical Stem
Cell Options 04/10/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=198486> from Sen. Sam Brownback Brownback Argues for Protection of
Life
04/10/2007

S 5
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:S:00005\
> - Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007

Considered in the Senate

04/10/2007

S 30
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:S:00030\
> - Hope Offered through Principled and Ethical Stem Cell Research Act

Considered in the Senate
04/10/2007 Statement of Administration Policy on S 30
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/docs/news/US/agdocs/23927_SAPonS30.pdf> ,
the "Hope Offered through Principled and Ethical Stem Cell Research Act"
- SAP prepared by the Office of Management and Budget 04/10/2007
Statement of Administration Policy on S 5
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/docs/news/US/agdocs/23926_SAPonS5.pdf> , the
"Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007" - SAP prepared by the
Office of Management and Budget 04/09/2007 CRS Report
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/PHP_articledetails.gw?articleid=PHP:US:\
CRS:RL33576> - Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education: FY2007
Appropriations 04/03/2007 Report
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/pipefile.asp?type=pdf&sid=AGDOC:23860:docs%2\
Fnews%2FUS%2Fagdocs%2F23860%5F110thFirstQuarterProgressReport%2D42007%2E\
pdf> released by the Office of House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer :
House Democrats Leading America in a New Direction: Producing Real
Results in the 110th Congress
03/29/2007

S 30
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:S:00030\
> - Hope Offered through Principled and Ethical Stem Cell Research Act

Introduced by Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN)

03/27/2007

S 997
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:S:00997\
> - Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007

Introduced by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA)
03/23/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=197247> from Sen. Richard Burr: Burr Introduces Legislation to Bank
Amniotic and Placental Stem Cells 03/22/2007 S 957
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:S:00957\
> - To provide for the collection and maintenance of amniotic fluid and
placental stem cells for the treatment of patients and research
Introduced by Sen. Richard Burr; referred to Senate Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions 03/20/2007 CRS Report
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/PHP_articledetails.gw?articleid=PHP:US:\
CRS:RL33540&type=CRS> - Stem Cell Research: Federal Research Funding
and Oversight 03/20/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=196855> from Sen. Tom Harkin: Statement on NIH Director's Comments on
Stem Cell Research 03/12/2007 CRS Report
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/PHP_articledetails.gw?articleid=PHP:US:\
CRS:RS22299> - Routes to the Senate Floor: Rule XIV and Unanimous
Consent 03/08/2007 S 812
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:S:00812\
> - To prohibit human cloning and protect stem cell research
Introduced by Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT) ; Referred to Senate Committee
on the Judiciary 03/08/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=195829> from Sen. Orrin Hatch : Hatch, Feinstein Promote Stem Cell
Research, Human Cloning Ban 03/07/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=195699> from Rep. Christopher Smith Rep. Smith, Medical Experts Call
for Full Funding of Live-Saving Ethical Stem Cell Program
02/27/2007 CRS Report
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/PHP_articledetails.gw?articleid=PHP:US:\
CRS:RS22526> - Animal Agriculture: Selected Issues for Congress
02/22/2007 CRS Report
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/PHP_articledetails.gw?articleid=PHP:US:\
CRS:RL33540> - Stem Cell Research: Federal Research Funding and
Oversight 02/14/2007 CRS Report
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/PHP_articledetails.gw?articleid=PHP:US:\
CRS:RS21978> - Humane Treatment of Farm Animals: Overview and Issues
02/08/2007 2007 Highlights
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/pipefile.asp?type=pdf&sid=AGDOC:22878:docs%2\
Fnews%2FUS%2Fagdocs%2F22878%5F02072007%5FOI%5FLegacy%2Epdf>
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/pipefile.asp?type=pdf&sid=AGDOC:22878:docs%2\
Fnews%2FUS%2Fagdocs%2F22878%5F02072007%5FOI%5FLegacy%2Epdf> of Work by
the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Oversight & Investigations
Subcommittee 2001 Through 2006 (PDF 82.8 KB)
Report prepared by the minority staff of the House Energy and Commerce
Committee 02/05/2007 Summary
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/pipefile.asp?type=pdf&sid=AGDOC:22802:docs%2\
Fnews%2FUS%2Fagdocs%2F22802%5Ffy08hhs%2Epdf> of Department of the Health
and Human Service's FY 2008 Budget Request 02/02/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=192569> from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal
and Skin Diseases & National Institute of Neurological Disorders and
Stroke 01/30/2007 CRS Report
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/PHP_articledetails.gw?articleid=PHP:US:\
CRS:RS21044> - Background and Legal Issues Related to Stem Cell
Research 01/26/2007 GAO Report
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/pipefile.asp?type=pdf&sid=AGDOC:22658:docs%2\
Fnews%2FUS%2Fagdocs%2F22658%5Fd07236%2Epdf> to Chairs, House Oversight
and Government Reform Committee, Rep. Henry Waxman, and Senate Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, Sen. Edward Kennedy -
Federal Disability Assistance: Stronger Federal Oversight Could Help
Assure Multiple Programs' Accountability 01/26/2007 CRS Report
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/PHP_articledetails.gw?articleid=PHP:US:\
CRS:RL33540> - Stem Cell Research: Federal Research Funding and
Oversight 01/26/2007 CRS Report
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/PHP_articledetails.gw?articleid=PHP:US:\
CRS:RL33554>
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/PHP_articledetails.gw?articleid=PHP:US:\
CRS:RL33554> - Stem Cell Research: Ethical Issues 01/23/2007 S 363
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:S:00363\
> - To provide increased Federal funding for stem cell research, to
expand the number of embryonic stem cell lines available for Federally
funded research, to provide ethical guidelines for stem cell research,
to derive human pluripotent stem cell lines using techniques that do not
create an embryo or embryos for rIntroduced by Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN)
; Referred to Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
01/22/2007 HR 618
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:HR:0061\
8> - To implement equal protection under the 14th article of amendment
to the Constitution for the right to life of each born and preborn human
person.
Introduced by Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA); Referred to House Committee on
the Judiciary
01/23/2007

S 362
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:S:00362\
> - Stem Cell Research Expansion Act

Introduced by Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN); referred to Senate Committee on
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
01/22/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=191372> from Sen. Barbara Mikulski: Mikulski Stands Up for Stem Cell
Research 01/22/2007 CRS Report
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/PHP_articledetails.gw?articleid=PHP:US:\
CRS:RL33511> - Federal Research and Development: Budgeting and
Priority-Setting Issues, 109th Congress 01/18/2007 CRS Report
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/PHP_articledetails.gw?articleid=PHP:US:\
CRS:RL33303> - "Sensitive But Unclassified" Information and Other
Controls: Policy and Options for Scientific and Technical Information
01/18/2007 CRS Report
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/PHP_articledetails.gw?articleid=PHP:US:\
CRS:RL33334> - Biotechnology in Animal Agriculture: Status and Current
Issues 01/17/2007 CRS Report
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/PHP_articledetails.gw?articleid=PHP:US:\
CRS:RL33695> - The National Institutes of Health (NIH): Organization,
Funding, and Congressional Issues 01/12/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=190671> from Sen. Sam Brownback: Brownback Comments on House Stem
Cell Vote 01/11/2007 HR 3
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:HR:0000\
3> -Received in the Senate, after passage in the House
01/11/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=190563> from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi: 'Stem Cell Research Will
Give Hope to Millions of Americans who Suffer from Devastating
Illnesses' 01/11/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=190569> from Rep. Mike Castle: Castle's Stem Cell Research
Enhancement Act Passes House with Overwhelming Majority 01/11/2007
Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=190534>
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=190534> from Rep. Tom Allen: Statement on H.R. 3, Legislation to
Expand Embryonic Stem Cell Research 01/11/2007 Statement of
Administrative
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/pipefile.asp?type=pdf&sid=AGDOC:22462:docs%2\
Fnews%2FUS%2Fagdocs%2F22462%5FHR3SAP%2Epdf> Policy on House
Consideration of HR 3, the "Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007 "
: SAP prepared by Office of Management and Budget
01/11/2007

HR 3
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:HR:0000\
3> - Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007

Passed by (Recorded Vote); House rejects motion to recommit with
instructions by (Recorded Vote); Considered in the House

01/10/2007

HR 3
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:HR:0000\
3> - Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007

Scheduled for House floor debate on 01/11/2007
01/10/2006 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=190231> from Sen. Orrin Hatch Hatch: Pass HR 3, Let Doctors Save
Lives 01/10/2006 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=190220> from Sen. Dianne Feinstein: Senator Dianne Feinstein Renews
Call for Expanding Federal Funding for Stem Cell Research
01/10/2006 Letter
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/pipefile.asp?type=pdf&sid=AGDOC:22421:docs%2\
Fnews%2FUS%2Fagdocs%2F22421%5FStemCellPelosiBartlettGingrey010907%2Epdf>
to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi From Reps. Roscoe Bartlett and Phil
Gingrey -
Letter requests the Speaker allow to be made in order on Thursday, HR
322, the "Alternative Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies Enhancement Act"
01/10/2006 White House Report:
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/pipefile.asp?type=pdf&sid=AGDOC:22422:docs%2\
Fnews%2FUS%2Fagdocs%2F22422%5Fstemcell%5F010907%2Epdf> Advancing Stem
Cell Science without Destroying Human Life -
Report prepared the Domestic Policy Council
01/09/2007

HR 322
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:HR:0032\
2> - A bill to derive human pluripotent stem cell lines using
techniques that do not harm human embryos.

Introduced by Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD); Referred to House Committee
on Energy and Commerce
01/09/2006 Policy Brief
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/pipefile.asp?type=pdf&sid=AGDOC:22391:docs%2\
Fnews%2FUS%2Fagdocs%2F22391%5FRSC%2Dstemcell%2D1907%2Edoc> : Destruction
of Human Embryos for Research: Prepared by the House Republican Study
Committee 01/09/2006 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=190083> from Rep. Mike Castle: Castle Reintroduces Stem Cell Research
Enhancement Act 01/09/2007 Dear Colleague Letter
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/docs/news/US/agdocs/22397_1707dearcollstemce\
ll.pdf> From Reps. Diana DeGette and Mike Castle - Letter entitled,
"New Scientific Study Regarding Amniotic Stem Cells Proves All Areas of
Regenerative Medicine Must be Studied at Federal Level" 01/08/2007
Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=190008> from Rep. Mike Castle: Castle: All Areas of Regenerative
Medicine Must be Explored 01/08/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=190006> from House Minority Leader John Boehner: Leader Boehner Calls
Attention to Possible Stem Cell Research Breakthrough 01/08/2007
Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=189976> from Rep. Michael Arcuri: With First Votes of 110th Congress
Rep. Arcuri Sets Ethical Standards in Washington 01/08/2007 Press
Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=189986> from Reps. Roscoe Bartlett and Phil Gingrey - Barlett, Gingrey
to Introduce Ethical Stem Cell Alternative 01/05/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=189822> from Sen. Gordon Smith: Smith Urges Swift Passage of Stem Cell
Research Legislation 01/05/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=189816> from Sen. Johnny Isakson: Isakson Introduces Legislation
Calling for Federal Funding of Embryonic Stem Cell Research Research
Would Allow Creation of Stem Cell Lines Through a Process That Respects
Life
01/05/2007

HR 3
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:HR:0000\
3> - Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007

Introduced by Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO); Referred to House Committee on
Energy and Commerce

01/05/2007

HRES 6
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:HRES:00\
006> - Adopting the Rules of the House of Representatives for the One
Hundred Tenth Congress.

All titles agreed to, therefore the resolution is agreed to

(Special Order of Business for HR 3)
01/05/2007 Legislative Text of HR 3
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/docs/news/US/agdocs/22357_hr3text.pdf> , the
"Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007" - Text of the bill as
introduced by Rep. Diana DeGette on January 5, 2007
01/26/2007

S 5
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:S:00005\
> - Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007

Introduced by Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV)

01/04/2007

S 51
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/leg/bill_info.gw?billsid=BILL:US:110:S:00051\
> - Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapy Enhancement Act of 2007

Introduced by Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA); Referred to Senate Committee
on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
01/04/2007 Press Release
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/news/pressreleasedisplay.gw?prtype=PR&prdoci\
d=189742> from Sen. Gordon Smith: Smith Urges Swift Passage of Stem Cell
Research Legislation 01/03/2007 Legislative Text of HRES 6
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/pipefile.asp?type=pdf&sid=AGDOC:22324:docs%2\
Fnews%2FUS%2Fagdocs%2F22324%5Fres6final%2Epdf> , Adopting the Rules of
the House of Representatives for the One Hundred Tenth Congress - Text
of the House Rules package for consideration the first day of the 110th
Congress, Jan. 4, 2007 12/31/2006 GalleryWatch Legislative
Narrative - Stem Cell and Cloning Legislation in the 109th Congress
<http://us.gallerywatch.com/docs/news/US/usreports/109th_Stem_Cells_II.h\
tm>
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4.

Sensible legislation on stem cells

Posted by: "Stephen Meyer" meyer74@bellsouth.net   stephen_meyer_stemcells

Wed Oct 10, 2007 6:15 pm (PST)

Sensible legislation on stem cells Limited use of embryonic stem cells
can save lives Wednesday, October 10, 2007 Ann Arbor News
Michigan's Catholic parishes are sending DVDs and other material to more
than 500,000 homes encouraging Catholics to support research on adult
stem cells but to reject the use of stem cells taken from embryos. It's
a nuanced and honorable stance grounded in faith. It's also one we
question.

Embryonic stem cells appear to have great potential for research and to
combat many diseases. State lawmakers have discussed allowing couples to
donate their unused embryos from in-vitro fertilization - embryos that
would otherwise be destroyed - for such research. We see no reason not
to do that if it might help save lives.

The distinction between research on adult and embryonic stem cells is
subtle but important. Both hold tremendous promise to save lives, and
that's why stem-cell research has drawn such attention. Adult cells,
however, are more difficult to grow and are limited in what types of
cells they can become; adult stem cells drawn from blood can grow only
into blood cells. Embryonic cells are prized for their "plasticity'' -
their ability to become nerve or muscle tissue or whatever else - and
how easily they grow. There are challenges to transplanting them into
people, but their value for scientific research is significant.

The real issue is one of conscience. Some faiths compare the destruction
of an embryo to the taking of a life. That relies on a belief that even
the tiniest creation - a few cells, really - deserves protection. It's
fair to raise the broader question of morality: If one is willing to
sacrifice a few cells, where will we draw the line? Is society stepping
down a slippery slope?

The reality, however, is that these embryonic cells don't feel, suffer
or have even the faintest consciousness. And most fertility clinics
destroy unused embryos, an accepted practice. Why, then, not put them to
use for potentially life-saving research?

State lawmakers haven't considered spending public dollars for stem-cell
work, as California's voters did two years ago, but lawmakers are
talking about giving couples the chance to contribute their unused
embryos that would otherwise be destroyed. That is a very limited use of
embryonic stem cells, and we think it makes sense.

Jackson Citizen Patriot

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5.

Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Act fo

Posted by: "Stephen Meyer" meyer74@bellsouth.net   stephen_meyer_stemcells

Wed Oct 10, 2007 6:18 pm (PST)


October 10, 2007

Dear CAMR Members,

We have learned that the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education
Appropriations Act for FY '08 (Labor H) is expected to be considered on
the Senate floor next week. As many of you already know, this bill
contains the "date change" stem cell provision that would provide
Federal funding for research on embryonic stem cell lines created before
June 2007.

We strongly support this provision and are hopeful that the bill will
pass with this language. We are, of course, on the look-out for any
efforts from the opposition to strike the provision or offer other
harmful amendments. We will keep you posted as we learn more.

In the meantime, please consider urging your membership to contact their
Senators to support the stem cell provision in the Labor H bill and to
oppose anti-stem cell and anti-research amendments.

Sincerely,

Sean Tipton

President

Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research
Director, Public Affairs
American Society for Reproductive Medicine
stipton@asrm-dc.org <mailto:Medicinestipton@asrm-dc.org>
202-863-2494
202-421-5112 (mobile)

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6.

UCSF Scientists Highlighted in NewsHour Stem Cell Story

Posted by: "Stephen Meyer" meyer74@bellsouth.net   stephen_meyer_stemcells

Wed Oct 10, 2007 6:22 pm (PST)

NEWS AND SPECIAL FEATURES [ ]
Wednesday, 10 October '07

UCSF Scientists Highlighted in NewsHour Stem Cell Story

UCSF BANNER

10/10/2007

UCSF scientists were featured on the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer
<http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/july-dec07/stemcell_10-08.html>
yesterday, Oct. 9, in a story on the state of stem cell research in
California. The segment examined the impact that the state's $3
billion stem cell initiative, ushered in by voters in November 2004, has
had on the field. While sale of bonds to fund the initiative was delayed
by more than two years, the passage of the proposition alone galvanized
universities statewide to begin developing major programs. Now that the
funding is flowing and two significant rounds of research grants have
been issued, the field is gaining momentum.

UCSF initiated a university-wide stem cell program in 2002, and had had
a pioneering human embryonic stem cell lab since 1999, but the research
enterprise has burgeoned since Proposition 71 in terms of programmatic
planning, faculty recruitment and infrastructure, says Arnold
Kriegstein, MD, PhD, director of the UCSF Institute for Regeneration
Medicine.

[print]
<http://mwebmail.bellsouth.net/wmc/n/wm/print.php?news_id=200710093>
Print story
<http://mwebmail.bellsouth.net/wmc/n/wm/print.php?news_id=200710093>

[email]
<http://mwebmail.bellsouth.net/wmc/n/wm/email.php?news_id=200710093>
E-mail story
<http://mwebmail.bellsouth.net/wmc/n/wm/email.php?news_id=200710093>

The NewsHour segment includes Kriegstein, recent faculty recruit Holger
Willenbring, MD; chair of surgery Nancy Ascher, MD; neuroscience
graduate student Laura Elias; Deepak Srivastava, MD, director of the
UCSF-affiliated Gladstone Institute for Cardiovascular Disease; and
recent faculty recruit Shinya Yamanaka, MD, PHD, also of the Gladstone
Institute.

Related Links:

California Takes Lead in Stem Cell Research, Scientist Recruitment
<http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/july-dec07/stemcell_10-08.html>
The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, PBS, October 8, 2007

Embryonic Stem Cell Strategy Advanced with UCSF Finding
<http://pub.ucsf.edu/newsservices/releases/200709104/>
UCSF News Release, September 10, 2007

Neural Stem Cell Study Reveals Mechanism that May Play Role in Cancer
<http://pub.ucsf.edu/newsservices/releases/200709042/>
UCSF News Release, September 4, 2007

Acclaimed Stem Cell Scientist Joins Gladstone Institutes
<http://pub.ucsf.edu/today/cache/news/200708214.html>
UCSF Today, August 22, 2007

Insight into Neural Stem Cells Has Implications for Designing Therapies
<http://pub.ucsf.edu/newsservices/releases/200707052/>
UCSF News Release, July 5, 2007

UCSF, Karolinska Institute Scientists Explore Stem Cell Collaborations
<http://pub.ucsf.edu/today/cache/feature/200701253.html>
UCSF Today, January 26, 2007

UCSF Plays Significant Role in Stem Cell Research
<http://pub.ucsf.edu/today/cache/news/200610268.html>
UCSF Today, October 27, 2006

Stem Cell Research Advances Cancer Knowledge
<http://pub.ucsf.edu/today/cache/feature/200608117.html>
UCSF Today, August 14, 2006

UCSF Institute for Regeneration Medicine <http://irm.ucsf.edu/>

The Gladstone Institutes
<http://www.gladstone.ucsf.edu/gladstone/site/gweb1/>

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