One of this century’s most dramatic scientific developments is the use of stem cells to create 3D models of human tissues and organs (sometimes called organoids). This can involve taking a skin cell and reprogramming it, so that it can become any of the tissues and cells of the human body. Scientists are currently using this technique to make models which resemble human embryos, brain tissue, organs, sperm, eggs, placentas and so on.
At the moment, these models are being used for research purposes, and have the potential to transform our understanding of many aspects of human health. For example, embryo models enable scientists to find out more about critical phases in embryonic development, so that we can understand the reasons for IVF failure, miscarriage and stillbirth. Brain organoids can be used to learn more about the causes of dementia.
In the future, certain types of stem-cell derived tissues could be used directly in medical treatment. It would not yet be safe (or lawful in the UK) to use stem-cell derived sperm and eggs in fertility treatment, but this may change. If it does, the possibility of making new eggs and sperm from skin cells could transform many people’s reproductive options. If it became possible for patients suffering from organ failure to generate new tissues from their own skin cells, there would be no risk of rejection.
At the moment, this sort of stem cell research is subject to comparatively little regulation. Embryo models are not subject to the same regulatory regime as human embryos, and as long as the original skin cell donor gave consent, there are relatively few restrictions on what scientists can do with what these ‘induced pluripotent stem cells’.
As the science develops, parliament may need to consider what sort of restrictions and red lines need to be put in place, so that society can reap the potential scientific and clinical benefits of this research, while simultaneously preserving public trust and confidence. There is already a consensus that more guidance is needed. Cambridge Reproduction and the Progress Educational Trust have produced a voluntary Code of Practice for embryo model research, and the Nuffield Council on Bioethics is working on recommendations for the regulation of both embryo models and brain organoids.
Scientists, policymakers and regulators also agree that public engagement is both necessary and valuable when considering how to regulate novel scientific developments. It is widely acknowledged that the introduction of GM foods without proper public engagement led to a collapse of trust in science. In contrast, in relation to embryo research, the importance of public consultation was recognised as long ago as 1984, when the Warnock Committee was firmly of the view that ‘public concern about the techniques we have discussed needs to be reflected in public policy’.
There is a long tradition of researchers at LSE engaging actively with the public to ensure that public views inform policy development. The LSE-funded project The New Facts of Life is part of that tradition. Its aim is use innovative public engagement methods in order to:
- grab people’s interest in a fast-moving social media environment by drawing attention to some fictional futures that might lie ahead (such as same sex reproduction, organ replacement etc)
- offer accessible, accurate and clear information about what is and is not possible now
- prompt public interest in, and conversations about these new technologies and their wider social and ethical implications.
- give people an easy and engaging way to express their views about what red lines might give them confidence in this research.
The New Facts of Life has three components:
- we have created a fictional product – a ‘stem cell’ kit – which enables people to think about what it might be like in the future if you could gather a sample from your arm and turn it into new tissues. We are working with social media content creators, as well as conventional journalists, to spark and generate coverage and interest.
- A QR code will then take anyone who wants to know more to a website where they can listen to bite-size, micro-podcasts, recorded with Prof Emily Jackson from LSE and Dr Naomi Moris from the Francis Crick Institute, which will explain accessibly more about the science, what is and is not possible, and where it might be headed.
- Also accessible from the website is a quiz, which will enable anyone to share their thoughts about these scientific developments, and where the limits should lie. Although the data generated will not be representative, it will offer a ‘snapshot’ of public views which we will share with policymakers, regulators and parliamentarians
If you would like to learn more, explore Cell Yourself, our fictional health product driving public debate on stem cell breakthroughs.