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Originally Posted by pgardn
There is a danger to this also. It is pretty clear that all cells are programmed to die or reproduce more. Cancer might really be defined as defects in the genes that control cell death or regeneration. These retroviral genes are playing with this basic concept. I dont see it as simple as sticking some genes into cells to make them act like cells that regenerate (stem cells). It just cant be that easy with all the modifications that occur to DNA when cells differentiate for specific function. Look closely into how are immune system works. The cells functioning here can make a huge array of proteins to attack foreign bodies just by snipping and splicing bits of DNA here and there. Its amazing stuff. But the DNA is altered for good.
For a long time we had no idea how our bodies could make antibodies to chocolate, diff types of perfume, and bacteria and viruses. We now know. Alteration of coding sequences in a random way to produce a huge array of cells that can recognize the most unique conformation of chemicals in invading organisms. Quite a hit and miss way, but a beautiful way to cover the bases given the very basic genetic code.
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Wow Pgardn,
You put out a lot of different ideas in this thread.
Yes, cells are preprogammed to die. It varies but mitosis is limited.
White cells (immune system) are still a puzzle. If we could understand T connects, HIV-Aids would have a cure. We're not there yet.
Anti bodies and encoding for them is something I don't know much about.
My interest is in "triggering" genes like fgf 15, fgf 8, and others that program the cell for development after the stem stage. White cells are much further along, like other differentiated cells.
It's interesting to me that some of the same triggering genes play a role in cancers (retinal, and neural) as cardio. At this point, it's good that the markers exist to track them. Beyond that, it's a long way to organ production. Imagine if one's own skin cells could be used to regenerate a heart or liver, or any diseased organ. There would be no need for anti-immune therapy. One's replacement organ could be grown and implanted without the risk of rejection.
We have a long way to go. Seems to me that creating stem cells from skin cells is a huge step forward. New findings will be realized soon.