Editing Embryonic stem cell (section)

=== Uses ===

Due to their plasticity and potentially unlimited capacity for self-renewal, embryonic [[Stem-cell therapy|stem cell therapies]] have been proposed for [[regenerative medicine]] and tissue replacement after injury or disease. Pluripotent stem cells have shown promise in treating a number of varying conditions, including but not limited to: [[spinal cord injuries]], [[age related macular degeneration]], [[diabetes]], [[neurodegenerative disorders]] (such as [[Parkinson's disease]]), [[AIDS]], etc.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Mahla |first1=Ranjeet |title=Stem Cell Applications in Regenerative Medicine and Disease Therapeutics |journal=International Journal of Cell Biology |volume=2016 |date=July 19, 2016 |pages=6940283 |doi=10.1155/2016/6940283 |pmid=27516776|pmc=4969512 |doi-access=free }}</ref> In addition to their potential in regenerative medicine, embryonic stem cells provide a possible alternative source of tissue/organs which serves as a possible solution to the donor shortage dilemma. There are some ethical controversies surrounding this though (see '''Ethical debate''' section below). Aside from these uses, ESCs can also be used for research on early human development, certain genetic disease, and ''in vitro'' [[toxicology]] testing.<ref name=sc/>