Discoverer of new class of stem cells supports further research By Catherine Clabby,… Discoverer of new class of stem cells supports further research By Catherine Clabby, McClatchy Newspapers

The researcher who, this week, disclosed finding a new class of stem cells in amniotic fluid has been thrust into the Congressional debate over federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.

Opponents to experiments using embryonic stem cells – including the Catholic Church – are hailing Dr. Anthony Atala’s discoveries as proof that alternate stem cell sources are adequate for research.

They are urging Congress to reject newly revived legislation to expand federal funding for research using embryonic cells.

But backers of two new bills in Congress that would boost embryonic studies have publicized a letter Atala wrote to two U.S. House representatives this week.

In his letter, Atala said his work should not derail efforts to widen embryonic stem cell research.

“It is essential that National Institute(s) of Health-funded researchers are able to fully pursue embryonic stem cells research as a complement to research into other forms of stem cells,” the doctor-scientist wrote.

Atala, whose discovery was published Sunday, may have discovered a new class of stem cells in amniotic fluid, the liquid cushioning a developing fetus, and in the placenta, the organ that nourishes the fetus.

The cells resemble embryonic stem cells, he says, because they duplicate quickly and can make multiple cell types such as bone, muscle and fat.

Independent of Atala, opponents to embryonic stem cell studies quickly embraced his findings as a “moral” alternative to embryonic studies, which usually require the destruction of very early-stage human embryos.

The Vatican and anti-abortion groups hailed Atala’s findings and reiterated their condemnation of using embryonic stem cells.

Atala said it was not his intention to enter a political debate in a high-profile way, and said he was surprised when he found he had.