L17: Stem Cells Flashcards
Describe embryonic stem cells
The embryo is called a blastocyst
- They are pluripotent stem cells
Define pluripotent & multipotent
Pluripotent: Able to develop into different types of cell
Multipotent: Differentiate into multiple but limited cell types
Define totipotent
Give rise to any type of cell
2 features non-specialised cells are capable of
1) Self-renewal
2) Differentiation
What is self-renewal?
Ability to divide & produce identical stem cells
What is differentiation?
Ability to generate specialised cell types
Where is embryonic stem cells derived from?
Inner cell mass of blastocysts
Is embryonic stem cells multipotent, pluripotent or totipotent?
Pluripotent: form ALL CELL TYPES
What type of cell does fibroblast contribute to?
Contributes to the formation of connective tissue
2 methods to induce differentiation
1) Embryoid Body (EB) Formation
2) Teratoma Assay
What is the function of feeder cell removal?
ESC gwon on layer of feeder cells that is removed to allow controlled differentiation
What is Embryoid Body (EB) Formation? What do they differentiate into?
ESC aggregated into 3D clusters called Embryoid Bodies
- They spontaneously differentiate into cells of 3 germ layers
What is tissue stem cells generated from?
ES cells
Are tissue stem cells pluripotent, multipotent, totipotent?
Multipotent
Function of tissue stem cells
1) Generate tissues during development
2) Repair & replace damaged cells in adults
What do haematopoietic stem cells differentiate into?
1) Myeloid Lineage
2) Lymphoid Lineage
Where is haemotopoietic stem cells isolated from?
From blood/ bone marrow
Where is mesenchymal stem cells found in?
Blood marrow, adipose tissue & umbilical cord blood
What does mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into?
1) Bone
2) Cartilage
3) Fat cells
Where is neural stem cells located in?
In 2 neurogenic brain regions
1) Subventricular zone (SVZ)
2) Subgranular zone (SGZ)
HIPPOCAMPUS
4 types of niche signals
1) Paracrine
2) Structural/Mechanical
3) Metabolic
4) Humoral
