Stem Cells
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December 30, 2019
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Have you felt inquisitive about what makes perception of stem cells and their research one of the most sought after? Let’s get an insight into the basics of stem cells.
You can imagine stem cells as the body’s raw materials. They are the cells from which all other cells specialize to take up different functions within our body. Under the right conditions (in the body or a laboratory), stem cells divide to form more cells called daughter cells. These daughter cells either become more new stem cells (termed 'self-renewal') or become specialized cells (termed 'differentiation') such as blood cells, brain cells, heart muscle cells, or bone cells.
Why is there such an interest in stem cells?
- Understanding of a Disease Process: By watching stem cells mature into different types of cells, tissues, and organs, researchers get a better understanding of how a disease or condition develops.
- Transplant and Regenerative Medicine: Stem cells can be guided to regenerate and repair diseased tissues in people.
- Testing New Drugs for Safety and Effectiveness: Before using new investigational drugs in people, the safety and quality of drugs can be tested in some types of stem cells.
Where do stem cells come from?
There are many sources of stem cells discovered. Stem cells that come from embryos that are three to five days old are called embryonic stem cells. Cells that are found in small numbers in most adult tissues such as bone marrow are called adult stem cells. Stem cells found in amniotic fluid and umbilical cord blood and are called perinatal stem cells.
Shortly, stem cell therapy could be considered the next chapter in organ transplantation
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Disclaimer: Don’t follow any suggestions in this article without consulting a qualified doctor
Source:
Stem Cells: What are they and what they do; https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-marrow-transplant/in-depth/stem-cells/art-20048117