Past research into generating various cells from human embryo stem cells in Japan has used only imported cells, according to officials of the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry.

Kazuwa Nakao, a professor at Kyoto University, will try to have the stem cells generate blood vessels for test implantation in mice. Nakao wants to use the results to treat arterial sclerosis and other blood vessel disorders.

The human embryo stem cells for the project were developed from fertilized eggs last year at the Kyoto University Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences. They can be developed into various cells or organs, the officials said.

Stem cells are harvested from laboratory-grown human embryos. Critics oppose the practice because it kills the embryo.

As in many other countries, Japan only allows stem cells to be extracted from surplus embryos created for fertility treatment and headed for disposal.

The Japan Times Weekly: Feb. 21, 2004
(C) All rights reserved