Skin Stem Cell Breakthrough Applauded; Continued Embryonic Stem Cell Research Urged
Jackson Heights, NY–United Spinal Association, whose members are individuals with spinal cord injuries or disorders, today announced its tremendous encouragement from the studies published earlier this week in the journals Cell and Science concerning the transformation of human skin cells into cells that act like embryonic stem cells.
Said Paul J. Tobin, President and CEO of United Spinal Association, “from conversations we have had yesterday and today with research scientists, including our colleagues at the Paralyzed Veterans of America-United Spinal Association Neuroscience and Regeneration Research Center of Yale University, the work conducted by Dr. Shinya Yamanaka of Kyoto, Japan and Dr. James A. Thomson of Madison, Wisconsin represents a genuine breakthrough in the effort to develop treatments for a variety of disabling conditions and chronic diseases.”
“While this discovery is a significant step forward,” Tobin continued, “it appears that much more investigation is needed to prove that stem cells harvested from skin cells will actually work exactly like embryonic stem cells.”
The United Spinal Association Board of Directors has endorsed a policy favoring continued embryonic stem cell research, and the organization has advocated in recent years in favor of Congressional action to lift the ban on federal funding of such research. Tobin added, “we have also financially supported many research investigations into the use of other types of human cells for better treatment of injuries and diseases. It is much too soon to abandon any type of molecular research that holds the promise of a better life for persons with chronic and long term disabling conditions.”