U. expert calls stem-cell progress a slow-go

Democrats have said they'll use their new clout in Congress to lift or at least loosen restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem-cell research. But readily available treatments using the stem cells, if they prove effective, are years away, says a stem-cell expert at the University of Utah.

"We have made progress in the past couple of years, but it's going to continue to be slow progress. We don't have profound findings that have made it all clear," said Dr. Linda Kelley, director of the cell-therapy facility at the U. and an associate professor of medicine.

Stems cells are unspecialized cells that can replicate themselves for a long time through cell division. Under specific conditions, they can be induced to become cells with special functions. Scientists want to learn how those cells remain unspecialized and self-renewing. And they say if they decode the signals that tell cells what to become, it may lead to treatments for diseases and injuries.

Two types of human stem cells are being investigated worldwide — embryonic stem cells donated from unused fertilized eggs in fertility clinics, and adult stem cells. In 2001, President Bush limited federal funding for human embryonic stem-cell (hESC) research to that involving about a dozen already established hESC lines.

He didn't ban the research, as many believe but rather "shifted who pays for it" to biotech companies, endowments and state governments, Kelley said.

The Democrats have said that loosening the restrictions and expanding federal funding of the research is a priority they plan to deal with in the first 100 hours of the new session of Congress. A number of Republicans also support the move.

So does the public, according to two surveys released this week. The Civil Society Institute said Thursday that two-thirds of Americans want to see expanded federal support for stem-cell research. And 60 percent want Congress to override any presidential veto, deemed likely because Bush used his first-ever veto to turn down an earlier bill easing the restrictions.

The institute said that "the steadily growing and bipartisan support for stem-cell research now includes two-thirds of American adults — including majorities of Republicans, Independents, Roman Catholics and evangelical Christians."

An Associated Press-AOL News poll said 56 percent of adults favor easing the restrictions.

Supporters of the research have a long list of conditions that they believe stem cells might cure, from Parkinson's to kidney failure, diabetes and traumatic spinal-cord injury,

Still, anyone hoping for an immediate cure is apt to find it's a long wait, Kelley said.