Lesson 8: Stem cells & regenerative medicine Flashcards
What are stem cells?
Long lived undifferentiated cells with the ability to renew itself and differentiate into different specialized cell types
What are the four classifications of stem cells according to differentiation potential?
- Totipotent cells
- Pluripotent cells
- Multipotent cells
- Unipotent/oligopotent cells
What do totipotent cells form?
All cell types of the organism, including embryonic and extraembryonic tissue
What are examples of pluripotent cells?
- Embryonic stem cells (ESC)
- Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)
What can multipotent cells differentiate into?
Cells of the same embryonic layer from which they originate, and sometimes 2 layers
What type of stem cells are adult stem cells?
Multipotent cells
What are unipotent/oligopotent cells?
Cells that share characteristics of stem cells but have limited self-renewal potential and capacity
Where are embryonic stem cells (ESC) obtained from?
The blastocyst inner cell mass (Days 4-7)
What are some disadvantages of embryonic stem cells?
- Tumorigenic ability
- Immunogenicity
- Ethical issues depending on country
What are induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)?
Pluripotent stem cells generated in the lab from mature adult cells
What are the disadvantages of induced pluripotent stem cells?
- Can give rise to tumors
- Integration into the individual by means of viruses
What is the role of adult stem cells?
Responsible for tissue homeostasis and regeneration in mature tissues
What are niches in the context of adult stem cells?
Specific microenvironments where adult stem cells reside
What type of stem cells are hematopoietic stem cells (HSC)?
Adult stem cells that reside in bone marrow
What is the significance of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC)?
Good candidates for cell therapy due to their multipotent nature and migration ability
What are progenitor cells?
Cells that come from adult stem cells with limited ability to renew
What are muscle satellite cells involved in?
Skeletal muscle regeneration
Progenitor cells differentiate into which types of cells?
- Osteoblasts
- Chondroblasts
