Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) is a technology where the nucleus of an adult somatic cell (containing the patient’s DNA) is transferred into an egg cell from which the original nucleus has been removed. This egg cell with the transferred nucleus begins to develop into an embryo-like stage (blastocyst), from which pluripotent stem cells carrying the patient’s genetics can be derived.
These genetically “corrected” cells can then be used to replace diseased tissues in the patient’s body.
How does Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer work (step by step)?
1️⃣ The nucleus is taken from a patient’s somatic cell (e.g., skin, blood, fat tissue).
2️⃣ It is transferred into an egg cell that has had its own nucleus removed.
3️⃣ The egg cell is “reprogrammed” using chemical or electrical signals and begins to divide.
4️⃣ At the blastocyst stage, embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are extracted, which have pluripotency.
5️⃣ These stem cells can be:
– Differentiated in vitro into needed cell types (neurons, muscle, liver, etc.),
– Transplanted back into the patient (after mutation correction, e.g., using CRISPR),
– Used for tissue engineering (3D organoids).
Which genetic diseases can be treated?
✅ Diseases caused by point mutations (e.g., cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, Gaucher disease).
✅ Mitochondrial diseases — if using donor eggs with “healthy” mitochondria.
✅ Congenital liver, heart, retinal, skin, and other organ diseases — through cell or tissue replacement.
✅ Neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s disease) — by transplanting neurons grown from ESCs.
What do the new (healthy) cells do after transplantation?
➡ They do not directly block or “silence” mutant cells, but instead replace or complement their functions.
Here are several mechanisms:
1️⃣ Replacement of damaged cells
For example, in cystic fibrosis, due to CFTR protein mutation, the lung and intestinal epithelium function poorly.
When corrected stem cells (e.g., epithelial cells or organoids) are transplanted, they:
✅ integrate into tissues,
✅ begin performing normal functions (secretion, barrier role),
✅ partially replace mutant cells, improving tissue function.
Note: complete replacement requires large quantities of cells or systemic administration, but even partial replacement (e.g., 10–20%) can significantly improve symptoms.
2️⃣ Secretory (paracrine) effect
Even if new cells do not fully integrate, they:
✅ secrete growth factors, signaling molecules, cytokines,
✅ influence local tissues by reducing inflammation, improving regeneration, and lowering stress.
This has been well demonstrated in stem cell therapies for the heart and brain.
3️⃣ Correction of systemic functions
In some cases (e.g., hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for immunodeficiencies):
✅ corrected cells colonize the bone marrow,
✅ start producing normal blood cells (leukocytes, erythrocytes),
✅ the body gradually “updates” the pool of circulating cells,
✅ mutant lines recede into the minority, and healthy ones dominate.
4️⃣ Ex vivo genetic correction of tissues
If stem cells are pre-corrected (e.g., using CRISPR) and then returned to the patient, they:
✅ integrate as mutation-free cells,
✅ begin producing healthy proteins or enzymes,
✅ even partial replacement can normalize biochemical processes.
Why is the effect sometimes incomplete?
– Old mutant cells remain → they do not disappear unless actively removed.
– Healthy cells must “engraft”; otherwise, the immune system or tissue microenvironment may eliminate them.
– In some tissues, it’s difficult to introduce new cells (e.g., the brain — very sensitive zones).
– Patient’s age, regenerative capacity, and disease stage at the time of treatment also play roles.
How is improvement achieved?
✅ Even a small number of healthy cells reduces the burden on mutant cells.
✅ The balance of metabolites, cytokines, and inflammatory factors improves.
✅ Tissue regeneration and repair are activated.
✅ The body exits the state of chronic damage.
How long do transplanted cells survive?
❗ There is no universal answer — lifespan depends strongly on:
✅ cell type,
✅ site of administration,
✅ patient’s immune status,
✅ tissue microenvironment (inflammation, fibrosis),
✅ presence of immunosuppression.
Examples by system
| System / tissue | Example lifespan |
|---|---|
| Hematopoietic stem cells (HSC, bone marrow transplant) | Can live lifelong if engrafted, as they colonize bone marrow and generate new cell lines |
| Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC, injected into blood or tissues) | Usually days–weeks, as they are quickly cleared by macrophages or die; their effect is mainly paracrine |
| Neuronal or glial cells (transplanted into the brain) | If integration is successful, can live for years; brain is an immune-privileged site |
| Cardiomyocytes or cardiac stem cells | Usually weeks–months, if no immunosuppression used |
| Hepatocytes (liver cells) | Can live months–years if they integrate into the liver |
| Epithelial cells, organoids (e.g., in cystic fibrosis) | If engrafted — years; if not — rapidly eliminated |
Why don’t healthy cells always “push out” mutant ones?
– Mutant cells typically occupy their niche → e.g., damaged liver cells persist unless directly displaced.
– Transplanted cells are often a minority; they improve function but don’t fully replace the tissue.
– The immune system may attack transplanted cells if they are recognized as “foreign.”
– Some mutant cells (like cancer cells) aggressively suppress competitors.
How to prolong the life of transplanted cells?
✅ Use autologous cells (from the patient, but with corrected mutation).
✅ Prepare the tissue or body by introducing niche-supporting environments.
✅ Use biomaterials, scaffolds, hydrogels to improve engraftment.
The main point: why are they useful if they eventually disappear?
Even if new cells live only temporarily, they can:
✔ trigger regeneration,
✔ reduce inflammation,
✔ improve the tissue microenvironment,
✔ give the body time to recover.
And if integration is successful, they can live for decades.
SOME REVIEWS FROM OUR PATIENT:
1 MITOCHONDRIAL DISEASE ( patient 15 years)
The patient was too weak at the beginning of the therapy, and she had the immune response to the treatment, but was well controlled. ( These improvements were fixed in the period from 1-3month)
2. Cardiac Amyloidosis , Acquired form of mutation gene ( patient 68 years)
( These improvements were fixed in the period from 1,5 – 2,5 month)
This therapy is possible today through collaboration with one of the largest biobanking systems in Europe, specifically the Austrian Biobank in Graz, working alongside our Ukrainian association within this network.