Lecture 27

Question 1

Define cell differentiation

Answer 1

Cellular differentiation is the process in which a stem cell changes from one type to a differentiated one.

Question 2

Gene expression and transcription factors, why are they relevant to stem cells research?

Answer 2

Gene Expression:
Relevance: Defines cell identity and function.
Implication: Influences stem cell characteristics and differentiation potential.

Transcription Factors:
Relevance: Regulate gene expression.
Implication: Crucial for directing stem cell differentiation into specific lineages.

Question 3

Define totipotent cells

Answer 3

An isolated cell that is able to produce a fertile adult individual.

Question 4

Define pluripotent cells

Answer 4

Potent type of stem cell that normally only exists during early embryonic development.

Question 5

Define multipotent cells

Answer 5

Cells that have the ability to differentiate into all cell types within one particular lineage.

Question 6

What are the differences between embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells?

Answer 6

Source:
Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs): Derived from embryos.
Adult Stem Cells (ASCs): Found in various body tissues.

Pluripotency:
ESCs: Pluripotent, versatile differentiation.
ASCs: Multipotent, limited differentiation.

Renewal Capacity:
ESCs: Higher self-renewal.
ASCs: Limited self-renewal.

Differentiation Potential:
ESCs: Broad differentiation potential.
ASCs: Differentiate into specific tissue types.

Developmental Stage:
ESCs: Derived from early embryos.
ASCs: Present in developed tissues.

Question 7

Somatic stem cells: where do we find them? How differentiated are they? What are the therapeutic advantages/disadvantages?

Answer 7

Source:
Found in various body tissues.

Differentiation:
Multipotent, specific to tissue.

Therapeutic:
Pros:
Replace damaged cells.
Ethical advantages.
Reduced immune rejection.
Cons:
Limited differentiation.
Challenges in expansion.
Limited applications in some tissues.

Question 8

Embryonic stem cells: how do we isolate them? What are the therapeutic advantages/disadvantages?

Answer 8

Isolation:
Derived from blastocyst’s inner cell mass.
Isolated without harming the embryo.

Therapeutic:
Pros:
Pluripotent for diverse applications.
Cons:
Ethical concerns.
Risk of immune rejection.
Tumorigenic potential.
Technical challenges in controlled differentiation.

Question 9

Induced pluripotent stem cells: how do we isolate them? What are the therapeutic advantages/disadvantages?

Answer 9

Isolation:
Reprogramming adult cells with specific transcription factors.

Therapeutic:
Pros:
Patient-specific, reducing immune rejection.
Overcomes ethical concerns.
Potential for personalized medicine.
Cons:
Risk of genetic mutations.
Challenges in controlling differentiation.

Question 10

Describe therapeutic cloning and its ethical implication

Answer 10

Therapeutic Cloning:
Process: Creates embryonic stem cells using somatic cell nuclear transfer.
Purpose: Generates patient-specific cells for therapy, disease study, and drug testing.

Ethical Implications:
Concerns:
Involves embryo creation and destruction.
Potential Benefits:
Personalized treatments.
Advances in disease understanding.

Question 11

What are the Yamanaka factor? Describe Dr Yamanaka’s work, why is it important

Answer 11

Yamanaka Factors:
A group of protein transcription factors that play a vital role in the creation of induced pluripotent stem cells

Dr. Yamanaka’s Work:
Discovery (2006):
Identified factors for reprogramming adult cells into pluripotent stem cells.
Importance:
Revolutionized stem cell research.
Enables ethical creation of patient-specific stem cells.
Advances regenerative medicine and disease modeling.