Stem cell research is a highly controversial issue that has become increasingly popular in recent years due to medical possibilities associated with stem cells. Stem cells are unique from all other types of cells in three ways: they can divide and renew themselves for long periods of time; they are unspecialized; and they give rise to specialized cells (9). There are two different types of stem cells, embryonic and adult.
Embryonic stem cells are derived specifically from embryos that develop from eggs that have been fertilized in vitro. It is important to note that the fertilized eggs do not come from a woman’s body; rather, they come from a lab and were donated for research purposes (9). Embryonic stem cells can be grown in the lab using a process known as a cell culture (9). These stem cells are initially unspecialized and can proliferate for up to a year or more without becoming specialized; however, they must be kept in controlled conditions for this to occur. If they are in an uncontrolled environment, they will spontaneously specialize (9).
Adult stem cells are unspecialized cells found amongst many specialized cells in tissues or organs. These cells have the capability of renewing themselves and specializing into major cells found within the tissue or organ from which they originated (9). The normal role of adult stem cells is to repair damaged tissue within their host tissue or organ, and so researchers are particularly interested in adult stem cells for their possible use in organ and tissue transplants (9).
The main difference between adult and embryonic stem cells is the number and type of specialized cells they can grow into. While embryonic stem cells can differentiate into any cell type within the body, adult stem cells are limited to differentiating into cells belonging to their host organ or tissue. The ability for stem cells to differentiate into various cell types makes it a highly researched field, with Roger Kornberg’s research leading the way. The focus of Kornberg’s research has been on the fundamental basis of gene regulation, including the control of transcription, which ultimately affects synthesis of proteins. His work has revealed the machinery required for the complex process of transcription (2). While researching this, Kornberg and his team uncovered the proteins necessary for gene regulation.
This particular discovery has important implications on stem cell research. The ultimate goal for stem cell researchers is to create required conditions to direct specific cell differentiation. Cell differentiation is dependent on gene expression, proteins, as well as the cell’s environment. In the lab, the cell’s environment can be controlled; therefore, the remaining factor determining cell differentiation is gene regulation (9). Understanding how genes are transcribed is fundamental in understanding how the transcription of these genes is regulated. Kornberg's transcription discovery has brought researchers that much closer to understanding how to direct cell differentiation. In addition to his understanding of the transcription process, his research has uncovered proteins necessary for regulation of gene expression. His discoveries are the basis for someday directing stem cell differentiation into desirable cells (9).