Ethics and Biology of Germ Cells In an editorial essay1 that leads Science's special issue (20 April, 2007) on germ cells, Anne McLaren highlights one of the dilemmas about the use of human oocytes (or eggs) for research. Human oocytes are a limited resource as they are difficult to obtain, and their collection and use is surrounded by complex ethical issues. Oocytes are currently of great value for stem cell research, as oocytes are used in attempts to derive patient-specific or disease-specific embryonic stem cell lines. In addition, oocytes are of enormous importance for infertility treatments, as a donated oocyte may help an otherwise infertile couple to have a child. McLaren considers how future research may address the problem of supply with the possible generation of oocytes or sperm from human embryonic stem cells, but cautions that for the time being, a thoughtful compromise should be found between these two needs. Other articles in the special issue focus on how the germ line is generated, how it is regulated, and how germ cells develop. Notes *Author affiliation Posted May 2, 2007 Contact Friends of ISSCR | Privacy Statement | Disclaimer | ISSCR Home Page
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