Scientists discover 'master gene'
2003-06-02 13:57
Washington - In what might be a breakthrough in biology, scientists have hailed the discovery of the "master gene" of embryonic stem cells, a news report said on Friday.
Stem cells are believed to have vast curative potential because they stay youthful - they do not degenerate for years - and can then be "grown" into liver, muscle, brain or any other tissue.
The newly discovered gene, dubbed "nanog", is responsible for keeping cells youthful and could eventually help researchers turn adult cells back into stem cells, The Washington Post reported.
The research, led by teams from Britain's University of Edinburgh and Japan's Nara Institute of Science and Technology, was first reported in the magazine Cell, the Post said.
Stem-cell research has been controversial because it has involved the use of tissue from destroyed human embryos. The scientists warned that, for now, they will need to do more such research. - Sapa-DPA
- SAPA