Stem Cells: Fundamentals and Types

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to stem cells, including definitions of terms, characteristics, types, and mechanisms involved in stem cell biology.

Stem Cell

Unique type of cell capable of self-renewal and differentiation into specialized cell types.

Terminal Differentiated Cells

Cells that have reached their final state of maturity and function.

Self-Renewal

Process by which a stem cell produces daughter cells, with one maintaining stem cell characteristics.

Adult Stem Cells

Stem cells found in adult organisms that aid in tissue repair and maintenance.

Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Adult stem cells in the bone marrow responsible for generating immune cells and red blood cells.

Multipotent Stem Cells

Stem cells that can differentiate into a limited number of cell types.

Pluripotent Stem Cells

Stem cells that can differentiate into any cell type of the three germ layers.

Divisional Asymmetry

Unequal distribution of cytoplasmic contents during cell division leading to different cell fates.

Environmental Asymmetry

Different exposure to microenvironments affecting daughter cell development.

Transit Amplifying Cells

Daughter cells that undergo rapid divisions before differentiating.

Common Lymphoid Progenitor (CLP)

Progenitor cells that give rise to lymphatic cells like T cells and B cells.

Common Myeloid Progenitor (CMP)

Progenitor cells that give rise to myeloid cells including granulocytes.

Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD)

Complication following stem cell transplantation where donor cells attack the recipient's tissues.

Chimeric Mice

Mice created by injecting embryonic stem cells from a different genetic background into a blastocyst.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)

Cells reprogrammed from somatic cells to an embryonic stem cell-like state.

Yamanaka Factors

Four genes (Oct4, Sox2, c-Myc, KLF4) used in the reprogramming of somatic cells into iPSCs.

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT)

Cloning technique where the nucleus of a somatic cell is transferred to an enucleated egg cell.

Blastocyst

Early stage of embryo development from which embryonic stem cells are derived.

Cellular Immortality

Ability of stem cells to divide indefinitely without loss of function.

Differentiation Pathway

The process by which a stem cell becomes a specialized cell type.

Bone Marrow Transplantation

A medical procedure in which healthy stem cells are transplanted into a patient’s bone marrow.

Trophic Factors

Signaling molecules that support the growth and differentiation of stem cells.

Cancer Stem Cells

A subset of cells in tumors that can self-renew and differentiate, playing a role in cancer growth.

Etiology

The study of the cause or origin of a disease.

Oncology

The study and treatment of tumors or cancer.

Stem Cell Niche

The microenvironment within which stem cells are found and regulated.

Ethics of Stem Cell Research

Debate surrounding the moral implications of using human embryos for stem cell research.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death, a mechanism to remove unwanted or damaged cells.

Neurogenesis

The process by which new neurons are formed in the brain.

Cell Signaling

The process by which cells communicate with each other and their environment.

Somatic Cells

Any body cell except sperm and egg cells; typical non-reproductive cells.

Clinical Trials

Research studies that test how well new medical approaches work in people.

Immune System

The body's defense system against infections and diseases.

Cryopreservation

The process of cooling and storing cells or tissues at very low temperatures.

Teratoma

A tumor made up of different types of tissue, including hair, muscle, and bone.

Genetic Reprogramming

The process of reverting a differentiated cell to an embryonic stem cell-like state.

Bone Marrow

A soft tissue found in the center of bones that produces blood cells.

Embryonic Stem Cell Lines

Cultured cells derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst.

HLA Matching

Matching of human leukocyte antigens between donor and recipient for transplant compatibility.

Progenitor Cells

A descendant of stem cells that can differentiate into a specific cell type.

Nuclear Totipotency

The ability of a nucleus to direct the development of a complete organism.

Chromatin Remodeling

The process that alters the structure of chromatin, allowing access to genes for expression.

Gene Therapy

The introduction of new genes into a patient's cells to treat or prevent disease.

Cell Therapies

Treatment approaches that use cells to restore or improve health.

Fibroblasts

A type of cell that synthesizes the extracellular matrix and collagen.

Isogenic Cell Lines

Cells derived from genetically identical organisms or cells.

Regenerative Medicine

Field of medicine focused on repairing or replacing damaged tissues and organs.

Stem Cell Differentiation

The process by which stem cells develop into specialized cell types.

In Vitro

Experiments conducted outside of a living organism, often in a lab setting.

In Vivo

Experiments conducted within a living organism.

Stringent Selection Criteria

Strict standards used to select compatible donors for stem cell transplantation.

Signal Transduction Pathways

The series of molecular events and chemical reactions that lead to a cellular response.

Pluripotency

The ability of a stem cell to differentiate into any cell type.

Self-Renewal Capacity

The ability of stem cells to replicate themselves while maintaining their undifferentiated state.

Lymphocytes

A type of white blood cell involved in the immune response.

Transcription Factors

Proteins that regulate the expression of genes by binding to nearby DNA.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to cancer or genetic diseases.

Antigenicity

The ability of a substance to induce an immune response.

Carcinogenesis

The process by which normal cells transform into cancer cells.

Stem Cell Fibrosarcoma

A type of cancer that arises from connective tissues; associated with stem cells.

Hematopoiesis

The formation of blood cellular components.

Transdifferentiation

Conversion of one specialized cell type directly into another.

Tissue Engineering

The use of a combination of cells, engineering, and materials methods to improve or replace biological tissues.

Regulatory T Cells

Immune cells that maintain tolerance to self-antigens and prevent autoimmune disease.

Chondrocytes

Cells responsible for cartilage formation.

Heathcare Engineering

Interdisciplinary field combining healthcare and engineering to improve medical technologies.

Stochastic Differentiation

Random processes that influence cell fate decisions.

Gene Editing

The process of altering genes using biotechnological techniques.

Mitosis

Cell division resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells.

Autonomy of Stem Cells

The ability of stem cells to grow and differentiate without external signals.

Fertility Preservation

Methods to protect reproductive potential, often using stem cell technology.

Vascularization

Formation of blood vessels within tissues.

Informed Consent

The process of obtaining permission from patients for treatment after fully informing them.

Bioengineering

Application of engineering principles to the biological and health sciences.

Ectoderm

Outer layer of the three primary germ layers in the early embryo.

Mesoderm

Middle layer of the three primary germ layers in the early embryo.

Endoderm

Inner layer of the three primary germ layers in the early embryo.

Pharmacogenomics

Study of how genes affect a person's response to drugs.

Ethics Committees

Groups tasked with overseeing and reviewing ethical issues in research.

Clinicians

Healthcare professionals who provide direct patient care.

Biopreservation

Preservation of cells or tissues using biological methods.

Neurobiology

Branch of biology that focuses on the nervous system.

Stem Cell Banking

The process of collecting and storing stem cells for potential future use.