Stem Cell Research

Stem cells are immature cells that mature into differentiated cell types. They are abundant in embryos, bone marrow, and umbilical chords, and can be harvested for transplant.

Stem cells differ from other kinds of cells in the body in three ways:

• Stem cells are capable of dividing and renewing themselves for long periods
• Stem cells are unspecialized
• Stem cells can give rise to specialized cell types

Scientific research is currently focused on two kinds of stem cells: embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. The most versatile stem cells, called pluripotent stem cells, are present in the first days after an egg is fertilized by sperm.

After discovering how to isolate stem cells from mouse embryos more than 20 years ago, scientists learned how to derive stem cells from human embryos in 1998. Eventually stem cell researchers were able to grow human stem cells in the laboratory. The embryos used in these studies were created through in vitro fertilization; when they were no longer needed for that purpose, they were donated for scientific research.

Stem cell research is helpful to the development of medical treatments. Researchers believe they can coax stem cells to become whatever tissues patients need. For instance, stem cells in the fetus can develop into cells that make up the heart, lung, skin, and other tissues. In a similar manner, adult stem cells generate replacements for certain adult tissues such as bone marrow, muscle, and brain cells, which are lost in the normal wear and tear produced by aging, injury, and disease. Scientists believe stem cells may provide the basis for treatments that address diseases such as Parkinson's, diabetes, and heart disease.

Because of the versatility and unique nature of stem cells, they are incredibly useful for the purposes of biomedical research. Scientists hope to improve their understanding of human development through the study of embryonic stem cells. Human stem cells could also be useful in testing new drugs. Perhaps the most exciting potential application of human stem cells is the generation of cells and tissues that could be used for cell-based therapies. But despite the benefits of stem cell research, it remains a subject of controversy and potential regulation.

FierceBiotech can help you stay on top of important developments in stem cell research. We cover all of the key components of stem cell research, including regenerative medicine, cell-based therapies, clinical trials, and more.

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