Interactive graphic

Creating stem cells from skin cells

Researchers have succeeded in making human embryonic stem cells that are genetically matched to a living person.

Obtain egg
Combine
Create stem cells
Grow other cells
The result
Transplant into patient

Obtain cells

Obtain skin cells from patient requiring treatment.

Obtain egg

Obtain an unfertilized egg cell from a donor and remove its nuclear DNA.

Combine

Insert patient’s skin cell within cell membrane of donor’s egg cell.

Create stem cells

Researchers prompt egg cell to divide and grow into an early embryo, which is converted into embryonic stem cells.

Grow other cells

Stem cells are used to grow other cells.

The result

The process can be used to produce new nerve, heart, liver and other cells.

Transplant into patient

New tissues can be transplanted into a patient without risk of rejection.