Adult stem cells
Adult stem cells
Adult stem cells (/əˈdʌlt stem sɛlz/), also known as somatic stem cells, are undifferentiated cells found throughout the body after embryonic development that multiply by cell division to replenish dying cells and regenerate damaged tissues.
Etymology
The term "stem" in stem cells originated from the plant analogy that the stem of the plant is capable of producing all the other parts of the plant. The term "adult" is used to distinguish these cells from embryonic stem cells, which are derived from embryos.
Definition
Adult stem cells are characterized by their ability to differentiate into multiple cell types, contributing to the homeostasis and repair of many tissues and organs in the body. They are found in specific niches in every tissue of the body where they remain in a quiescent or non-dividing state for years until activated by disease or tissue injury.
Types of Adult Stem Cells
There are several types of adult stem cells, each with their own unique properties and potential uses. These include:
- Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs): These are found in the bone marrow and can differentiate into all types of blood cells.
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs): These are found in various tissues, including bone marrow, fat, and teeth, and can differentiate into a variety of cell types, including bone, cartilage, muscle, and fat cells.
- Neural stem cells (NSCs): These are found in the brain and can differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes.
- Epithelial stem cells: These are found in the lining of the gut and skin and can differentiate into various types of epithelial cells.
Applications
Adult stem cells have been successfully used for many years to treat leukemia and related bone/blood cancers through bone marrow transplants. They are also used in therapies that are currently being researched for treating a variety of medical conditions, such as heart diseases, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Adult stem cells
- Wikipedia's article - Adult stem cells
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