Definition

Noun: - A specific biomedical procedure: Therapeutic cloning refers to the scientific technique of creating an embryo through somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) for the purpose of harvesting genetically compatible cells, particularly stem cells, for potential medical treatments. The goal is not to create a cloned organism but to produce cells that can be used to repair or replace damaged tissues without risk of immune rejection.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Therapeutic cloning offers hope for generating patient-specific stem cells to treat Parkinson's disease.
  • Ethical debates often distinguish between reproductive cloning and therapeutic cloning.
  • Researchers are studying therapeutic cloning as a way to create compatible tissues for transplant.

Advanced Usage

• In a research context: The term is often used when discussing the derivation of pluripotent stem cell lines.
  • The laboratory's work focuses on the potential of therapeutic cloning for regenerative medicine.

Variants and Related Words

• Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT): The technical process used in therapeutic cloning.
• Nuclear transplantation: A synonym for the transfer technique central to the procedure.
• Research cloning: An alternative term sometimes used to emphasize the non-reproductive aim.

Synonyms

• Research cloning (when specifically contrasted with reproductive cloning).
• Cell replacement therapy cloning (descriptive synonym focusing on the end goal).

Notes on Meaning

• Contrast with Reproductive Cloning: It is critical to distinguish this term from "reproductive cloning," which aims to create a cloned living organism. Therapeutic cloning is pursued for cell and tissue generation only.
• Medical Objective: The defining aspect is its therapeutic intent—creating cells for transplant to treat disease or injury.

Noun

1. nuclear transplantation of a patient's own cells to make an oocyte from which immune-compatible cells (especially stem cells) can be derived for transplant