Stem cells- part 1- March 21 (1) Flashcards
What defines stem cell potency?
The ability of cells to generate different cell lineages.
What are the salient features of stem cells?
- Self-renewal
- Ability to generate progenitor cells
- Persistence for a long-term
- Regulated by their environment (niche concept)
What is a stem cell niche?
The cellular and molecular cues in the stem cell environment that influence the fate of stem cells.
What is the definition of stem cells?
Cells that have the capacity to both self-renew and give rise to differentiated cells.
What is the lifespan of red blood cells (RBCs)?
120 days
Who demonstrated the existence of blood-forming stem cells?
James Till and Ernest McCulloch in the 1960s.
What is the function of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs)?
They are multipotent and can differentiate into blood cells and immune cells.
What type of stem cells are mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)?
Multipotent (can differentiate into bone, cartilage, and fat).
Fill in the blank: Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are _______.
[pluripotent (can form all cell types except trophectoderm)]
What is the role of telomerase in stem cells?
It helps preserve telomere length, allowing stem cells to escape senescence.
What are the two types of divisions that stem cells can perform?
- Symmetric division
- Asymmetric division
What type of stem cell are spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs)?
Unipotent (can only give rise to sperm cells).
True or False: All dividing cells are stem cells.
False
What are transit amplifying cells?
Differentiated progenitor cells generated from stem cells.
What influences the balance between symmetric and asymmetric divisions of stem cells?
Tissue requirements and the stem cell environment (niche).
What is the significance of the inner cell mass in a blastocyst?
It contains pluripotent stem cells.
What happens to intestinal stem cells (ISCs) when removed from their niche?
They lose their stemness unless supplemented with niche signals.
What are the examples of signals essential for the stemness of intestinal stem cells?
- Wnt
- R-spondin
- EGF
What is the role of Sertoli cells in the spermatogonial stem cell niche?
They secrete GDNF and FGF to support SSC.
What is the function of Leydig cells in the stem cell niche?
They provide Colony-Stimulating Factor 1 (CSF1) to support self-renewal of SSC.
What is the lifespan of platelets?
About 8-10 days.
What is the lifespan of white blood cells (WBCs)?
2-3 weeks.
Fill in the blank: Adult stem cells can be maintained for _______.
[the life of an organism]
What are induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)?
Adult cells reprogrammed to generate pluripotent stem cells.
What is the main outcome of telomere shortening in normal cell division?
Senescence.
What is the focus of the document?
Concepts and Applications of Stem Cell Biology
Who are the authors of the guide?
Pennings S, et al.
What is the title of the referenced work by Pennings et al.?
The Stem Cell Niche: Interactions between Stem Cells and Their Environment
In which journal was the work by Pennings et al. published?
Stem Cells Int.
What is the PMID number for the Pennings et al. publication?
30405721
Who authored the article on Stem Cell Signaling Pathways?
Takahashi T, Shiraishi A
In which journal was the article on Stem Cell Signaling Pathways published?
Int J Mol Sci.
What is the publication date of the article by Takahashi and Shiraishi?
2020 Mar 16
What is the volume and issue number for the article by Takahashi and Shiraishi?
21(6)
Fill in the blank: The Stem Cell Niche focuses on the interactions between stem cells and their _______.
[environment]
True or False: The reference by Pennings et al. discusses the interactions of stem cells in isolation.
False
What is the main subject of the article by Takahashi and Shiraishi?
Stem Cell Signaling Pathways in the Small Intestine
