Stem Cells: Fundamentals and Types

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to stem cells, their types, mechanisms, applications, and associated ethical considerations.

Stem Cell

A unique type of cell characterized by its ability to self-renew and differentiate into various specialized cell types.

Self-Renewal

The process by which a stem cell divides to produce at least one daughter cell that retains the same stem cell characteristics.

Differentiation

The process by which stem cells give rise to specialized cell types.

Pluripotent

Refers to embryonic stem cells that can differentiate into any cell type of the three germ layers.

Multipotent

Refers to adult stem cells which have a more limited capacity to differentiate into specific cell types.

Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Adult stem cells found in bone marrow that are responsible for generating all blood cells.

Tissue Maintenance

The process through which stem cells contribute to the repair and regeneration of tissues throughout life.

Cellular Immortality

The ability of stem cells to divide essentially without limit for the lifetime of an organism.

Environmental Asymmetry

When daughter cells receive different signals from their surrounding environment, leading to different developmental pathways.

Divisional Asymmetry

The unequal distribution of cell components during cell division, resulting in daughter cells with different fates.

Transit Amplifying Cells

Daughter cells that begin to differentiate and can undergo rapid divisions to produce a large population of specific cell types.

Graft-versus-Host Disease

A condition where transplanted cells attack the recipient's body, seen in stem cell transplantation.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)

Stem cells generated from adult cells that have been reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell-like state.

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT)

A cloning method that involves transferring the nucleus of a somatic cell into an enucleated egg cell.

Chimeric Mouse

An animal derived from injecting embryonic stem cells into a blastocyst, resulting in tissues from multiple genetic sources.

Nuclear Totipotency

The concept that a nucleus from a differentiated cell can direct the development of a new organism.

Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs)

Stem cells derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst that can differentiate into any cell type.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that eliminates damaged or unnecessary cells in the body.

Microenvironment

The local environment around cells that can influence their behavior, including signaling molecules and extracellular matrix.

Differentiation Pathway

The specific route a stem cell takes to become a specialized cell type.

Gene Regulation Factors

Proteins and other molecules that influence the expression of genes, affecting cell fate.

Bone Marrow

The tissue in which hematopoietic stem cells reside, responsible for blood cell production.

Research Applications of iPSCs

The use of iPSCs for drug testing and disease modeling based on patient-specific genetics.

Episomal Vectors

DNA plasmids that exist outside of chromosomes, preventing integration into the host genome.

Immune Rejection

The body's immune response against transplanted cells that are recognized as foreign.

Growth Factors

Signaling molecules that promote cell growth and differentiation.

Cell Cycle

The series of phases that a cell goes through in growth and division.

Risks of iPSC Therapy

Potential issues such as tumor formation or unexpected cellular behavior associated with cell transplantation.

Stem Cell Niche

The specific location within a tissue where stem cells are found, which helps regulate their behavior.

Cell Lineage

The developmental history of a cell, tracing back to its stem cell origin.

Regenerative Medicine

A field of medicine focused on repairing or replacing damaged cells, tissues, or organs.

Cloning

The process of creating a genetically identical organism from a single cell.

Developmental Biology

The study of the processes by which organisms grow and develop.

Stem Cell Isolation

The process of extracting stem cells from tissues for research or therapeutic use.

Cellular Plasticity

The ability of a cell to change its function or identity in response to environmental cues.

Progenitor Cells

Cells that have a limited capacity for self-renewal and are committed to a particular lineage.

In Vitro vs. In Vivo

Refers to processes conducted in a controlled environment outside of a living organism (in vitro) versus within a living organism (in vivo).

Signal Transduction

The process through which a cell responds to signals from its environment, influencing its behavior or fate.

Acquired Mutations

Genetic changes that occur after conception, often leading to conditions like cancer.

Congenital Mutations

Genetic alterations that are present from birth, affecting all cells in an individual.

Hematopoiesis

The formation of blood cellular components, originating from hematopoietic stem cells.

Neoplasia

An abnormal growth of tissue or tumor formation, which can be benign or malignant.

Gene Expression Patterns

Unique profiles of gene activity that can differentiate one cell type from another.

Transcription Factors

Proteins that control the rate of transcription of genetic information from DNA to messenger RNA.

MHC Compatibility

The matching of major histocompatibility complex molecules between donors and recipients in transplantation.

Therapeutic Applications of iPSCs

The potential use of induced pluripotent stem cells for treating diseases through cell replacement.

Cancer Stem Cells

A subpopulation of cells within tumors that possess characteristics associated with stem cells.

Cellular Immaturity

A condition where newly developed cells have not fully matured into their functional state.

Pluripotent Stem Cells

Stem cells that can develop into any cell type in the body, including cells from all three germ layers.

Fibroblasts

A type of cell that synthesizes the extracellular matrix and collagen, playing a role in tissue repair.

Directed Differentiation

The process where scientists guide stem cells to become specific cell types using chemical signals.

Ethical Considerations in Stem Cell Research

The moral implications of using human embryos for stem cell research and therapy.

Ex Vivo Culture

The growth of cells in a controlled environment outside of their original organism.

Bone Marrow Transplantation

A medical procedure used to replace damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells.

Signal Molecules

Chemical messengers that transmit signals between cells and affect their behavior.

MicroRNAs

Small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression, influencing development and differentiation.

Cardiomyocytes

Heart muscle cells that can be generated from pluripotent stem cells for therapeutic applications.

Transcriptional Activators

Proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences to increase the probability of transcription occurring.

Cellular Signaling Pathways

Complex networks of interactions that transmit signals within cells, affecting their responses.

Teratomas

Tumors that arise from pluripotent cells and can contain various cell types due to their developmental origin.

Somatic Cell

Any cell of the body that is not a reproductive cell (gamete) and can be reprogrammed into iPSCs.

HLA Matching

The process of matching human leukocyte antigens to ensure compatibility for transplantation.

Cloning Ethics

The moral considerations surrounding the genetic manipulation and reproduction of organisms.

Subpopulation Dynamics

The characteristics and behaviors of specific cellular groups within a larger population.

Regulatory Mechanisms in Stem Cells

The systems that control stem cell behavior, including signaling pathways and transcription factors.

Bone Marrow Signal Regulation

The influence of signaling molecules on the behavior and functions of hematopoietic stem cells.

Clinical Trials

Research studies that test the effectiveness and safety of new treatments in human participants.

Patient-Specific Therapies

Medical treatments tailored to the genetic profile of an individual patient.

Safety Concerns in Cell Therapy

Potential risks associated with the use of stem cells in clinical treatments, including tumorigenesis.

Emerging Therapeutic Strategies

New approaches and techniques being developed for the application of stem cell therapies.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

The non-cellular components of tissues that provide physical scaffolding for cells and initiate biochemical and biomechanical cues required for tissue morphogenesis, differentiation, and homeostasis.

Germ Layers

The three primary cell layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm) formed during early embryonic development from which all tissues and organs of the body originate.

Quiescence

A reversible state of inactivity or dormancy that many stem cells enter, allowing them to remain undifferentiated and preserve their self-renewal capacity until activated by specific signals.