Stem cell therapy is a medical treatment that involves the use of stem cells to repair, replace, or regenerate damaged or diseased tissues and organs in the body.
Stem cells have the unique ability to develop into many different types of cells and have the potential to repair tissues, making them a valuable tool in treating a wide range of diseases and conditions.
Stem cells can be classified into different types based on their origin and their ability to differentiate into various cell types:
Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs):
Source: Derived from early-stage embryos (usually blastocysts).
Pluripotent: They can differentiate into almost any type of cell in the body (e.g., muscle cells, nerve cells, blood cells).
Use: ESCs are studied for their potential to regenerate damaged tissues or organs. However, their use is controversial due to ethical concerns surrounding the destruction of embryos.
Adult Stem Cells (ASCs):
Source: Found in various tissues of the body, including bone marrow, fat, blood, and the brain.
Multipotent: They can differentiate into a limited range of cell types (e.g., bone marrow stem cells can become blood cells, but not nerve or muscle cells).
Use: Commonly used in treatments like bone marrow transplants for blood cancers.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs):
Source: Created by reprogramming adult cells (e.g., skin cells) to become pluripotent, similar to embryonic stem cells.
Pluripotent: iPSCs can differentiate into any type of cell, like ESCs.
Use: iPSCs are used in research and therapy as they bypass the ethical concerns associated with embryonic stem cells.
Perinatal Stem Cells:
Source: Found in amniotic fluid and umbilical cord blood.
Pluripotent or multipotent: These stem cells have the potential to develop into various cell types and are less ethically controversial.
Use: Used for research and, in some cases, clinical applications (e.g., treating certain blood disorders)
Tracks:
Blood and Bone Marrow Disorders
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Cardiovascular Diseases
Diabetes