Stem-cell line

A culture of stem cells that can be propagated indefinitely

Mapping SHIV infection in the body

A stem-cell line is a group of stem cells that is cultured in vitro and can be propagated indefinitely. These cells retain the ability to differentiate into various specialized cell types, making them invaluable for research and therapeutic purposes.

Characteristics

Stem-cell lines are characterized by their ability to self-renew and maintain their undifferentiated state over long periods. They can be derived from various sources, including embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells. Each type of stem-cell line has unique properties and potential applications.

Embryonic Stem-Cell Lines

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst, an early-stage embryo. These cells are pluripotent, meaning they can differentiate into any cell type of the three germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. ESC lines are crucial for studying early human development and have potential applications in regenerative medicine.

Adult Stem-Cell Lines

Adult stem cells are found in various tissues and are responsible for maintaining and repairing the tissue in which they are found. These cells are typically multipotent, meaning they can differentiate into a limited range of cell types. Adult stem-cell lines are often used in research focused on specific tissues, such as hematopoietic stem cells for blood-related studies.

Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell Lines

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are generated by reprogramming adult somatic cells to a pluripotent state. This process involves the introduction of specific genes that reset the cell's developmental clock. iPSC lines are a powerful tool for disease modeling, drug discovery, and personalized medicine, as they can be derived from a patient's own cells.

Applications

Stem-cell lines have a wide range of applications in both basic and applied research. They are used to study cellular processes, model diseases, and screen potential therapeutic compounds. In regenerative medicine, stem-cell lines hold promise for developing treatments for conditions such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, and spinal cord injuries.

Ethical Considerations

The use of stem-cell lines, particularly those derived from embryonic sources, raises ethical concerns. The debate centers around the moral status of the embryo and the implications of creating and destroying embryos for research purposes. Ethical guidelines and regulations vary by country, influencing the availability and use of stem-cell lines in research.

Related pages

• Stem cell
• Regenerative medicine
• Cell culture
• Tissue engineering