Stem Cell-Derived Human Gametes: The Public Engagement Imperative

Eli Y Adashi; I Glenn Cohen; Jacob H Hanna; Azim M Surani; Katsuhiko Hayashi

doi:10.1016/j.molmed.2019.01.005

Stem Cell-Derived Human Gametes: The Public Engagement Imperative

Trends Mol Med. 2019 Mar;25(3):165-167. doi: 10.1016/j.molmed.2019.01.005. Epub 2019 Feb 6.

Authors

Eli Y Adashi¹, I Glenn Cohen², Jacob H Hanna³, Azim M Surani⁴, Katsuhiko Hayashi⁵

Affiliations

¹ Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 272 George St., Providence, RI 02906, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].
² Harvard Law School, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
³ Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
⁴ Departments of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
⁵ Department of Developmental Stem Cell Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.

PMID: 30738627
DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2019.01.005

Abstract

The implications of scientific breakthroughs are rarely faced up to in advance of their realization. Stem cell-derived human gametes, a disruptive technology in waiting, are likely to recapitulate this historic pattern absent active intervention. Herein we call for the conduct of thoughtful ante hoc deliberations on the prospect of stem cell-derived human gametes with an eye toward minimizing potential untoward post hoc regulatory or statutory impositions.

Keywords: gametes; in vitro gametogenesis; stem cells.

Publication types

Letter
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Cell Differentiation
Embryonic Stem Cells
Gametogenesis*
Germ Cells / cytology*
Germ Cells / metabolism
Humans
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
Stem Cell Research* / ethics
Stem Cell Research* / legislation & jurisprudence
Stem Cell Transplantation
Stem Cells / cytology*
Stem Cells / metabolism