Adult stem cell

Adult Stem Cell

Adult stem cells, also known as somatic stem cells, are undifferentiated cells found throughout the body after development. They multiply by cell division to replenish dying cells and regenerate damaged tissues. Unlike embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells are not controversial because they are derived from adult tissue samples rather than destroyed embryos.

Characteristics

Adult stem cells are characterized by their ability to self-renew and differentiate into specialized cell types. They are multipotent, meaning they can give rise to a limited range of cell types related to their tissue of origin. For example, hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow can differentiate into various blood cells, while mesenchymal stem cells can become bone, cartilage, or fat cells.

Sources

Adult stem cells can be found in various tissues throughout the body, including:

• Bone marrow
• Adipose tissue
• Blood
• Brain
• Skeletal muscle
• Liver

These cells are typically present in small numbers and are difficult to isolate and grow in culture.

Function

The primary role of adult stem cells is to maintain and repair the tissue in which they are found. They are crucial for the body's natural healing processes. For instance, hematopoietic stem cells continuously replenish the blood supply, while epithelial stem cells in the skin and gut maintain the integrity of these tissues.

Clinical Applications

Adult stem cells have been used in various clinical applications, particularly in the field of regenerative medicine. Some of the notable applications include:

• Bone marrow transplantation for treating blood disorders such as leukemia and lymphoma.
• Regeneration of damaged tissues, such as cartilage repair in osteoarthritis.
• Potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injuries.

Challenges

Despite their potential, there are several challenges associated with the use of adult stem cells:

• Limited differentiation potential compared to embryonic stem cells.
• Difficulty in isolating and expanding these cells in vitro.
• Risk of immune rejection if donor cells are used.

Images

Mesenchymal stem cells under high magnification.

Diagram of stem cell division and differentiation.

Related Pages

• Stem cell
• Embryonic stem cell
• Regenerative medicine
• Cell differentiation

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  Adult stem cell

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  Stem cell division and differentiation