Stem cells

Stem cells are a remarkably versatile class of cells that have the potential to differentiate into multiple cell types, even those originating from different embryonic layers. Stem cells are most often derived from embryos (embryonic stem cells) but can also be obtained from other sources such as cord blood, skin, or adult bone marrow. Embryonic stem cells, found in the early-stage embryo known as the blastocyst, can differentiate into any type of tissue in the body. As such, they are capable of replacing and repairing any damaged and defective cells in the body. Three key qualities of stem cells—unlimited growth, pluripotency, and self-renewal—make them ideal for building tissues and organs for medical transplantation and regenerative medicine. The potential of stem cells in medical treatments is vast. Stem cells are now being used to treat conditions such as multiple sclerosis, macular degeneration, and heart diseases. Additionally, they are being used for wound healing and tissue regeneration to restore damaged nerves, pancreatic islets, and neurons. Furthermore, scientists are exploring ways of using stem cells to repair damaged organs such as the liver, but research is still ongoing. Scientists are also developing methods to reprogram stem cells from adults into induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells. By taking regular adult cells and introducing desirable genes, these cells can be reprogrammed into cells with pluripotency and the ability to differentiate into specialized adult cell types. By understanding how these iPS cells work, scientists are hoping to eventually be able to generate any tissue or organ from a patient’s own cells, reducing the risk of organ rejection. Stem cells are a major topic of research in regenerative medicine, and they hold great potential for the treatment of many diseases. By understanding how to better direct their differentiation, scientists may be able to use stem cells for new medical treatments and cures.