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A leading collaborator of Korean stem cell pioneer Prof. Hwang
Woo-suk has abruptly ended their cooperation over concerns that their
project at Seoul National University obtained human egg cells used in
research by unethical or illegal means. Prof. Gerald Schatten of the
University of Pittsburgh was quoted in Saturday¡¯s Washington Post as
citing doubts over unethical occyte procurement in a project concluded
in 2004 as the sole reason he was parting ways with Hwang.
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Prof. Hwang woo-suk (second from left) of Seoul National University and
Gerald Schatten (far right), a biologist from the University of
Pittsburgh, pose for a picture on Aug. 4. after Hwang announced the
world¡¯s first successful dog cloning in this photo.
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The high-profile split is the latest in a week of setbacks for the
Stem Cell Hub in Seoul amid public scrutiny of the way researchers
obtained the huge number of human ova needed in the project. Citing
rumors that Hwang obtained eggs from a junior researcher in the team,
Schatten said, ¡°Yesterday information came to my attention suggesting
that misrepresentations might have occurred" about their origin. Using eggs from a donor in a subordinate position is
prohibited according to international ethics guidelines. Amid inquiries
by prosecutors into the way another of Hwang¡¯s collaborators obtained
ova, Hwang has repeatedly insisted the team only used eggs from
volunteer donors who support the project¡¯s aims.
Schatten, who created the world¡¯s first genetically modified
monkey Andi using an egg that had been modified to include a simple
jellyfish gene, has been instrumental in helping Hwang¡¯s achievement in
stem cell research gain international recognition. Schatten added he
still believed Hwang¡¯s team is responsible for "landmark discoveries
accelerating biomedical research." There was no reaction from Hwang and his team on Sunday. A
team member said it was still grappling with the reasons for Schatten¡¯s
decision and would release an official statement soon. (englishnews@chosun.com )
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