Apart from the "classic," if yet underdeveloped method of gene therapy, several further therapeutic concepts for regenerative medicine are evident. These concepts involve the use of information on triggering processes acquired in the study of developmental biology. Precise regulatory stages control the development of a single cell into a complex organism. A number of trigger genes have, in the meantime, been identified in various model organisms. These genes could activate the development programs in multipotent target cells and thus lead to the regeneration of complex structures. Further research will at first focus on simple differentiation stages (insulin-producing b-cells, dopaminergic neurons, cells of the blood-producing system, liver cells). However, the possibility of regenerating the complex structures of entire organs, such as the kidneys for example, is already conceivable, although a comprehensive understanding of the organogenesis is necessary. The Max Planck Institutes concerned with the questions of neurobiology and developmental biology are oriented toward taking experimental approaches to solving these problems.

Astonishing findings of recent years have shown that the precursor cells essential to regenerative medicine are already present in many tissues of the mature body, including those of the nervous system, and that their reproduction must only be reactivated. But the implantation of embryonic stem cells also shows great promise for therapeutic use, although the balance between scientific feasibility and ethical restrictions must be carefully considered. No matter how stem cell therapy may develop in the future, it is already clear that a revolution of regenerative medicine is at hand in which the institutes of the Biology and Medicine Section should become involved.