module 2: Introduction to Stem Cells (SCs)

what are stem cells??

identified and isolated cells = capable of self renewal and differentiation

what are the characteristics of SCs??

• spherical morphology

• self-renewal

• unspecialized 

what are the types of stem cells?

• embryonic stem cells (ESCS): in mammals - at blastocyst stage

• adult tissue stem cells (ASCS): found in different tissues/organs in mammals after blastocyst stage - and

• induced pluripotent stem cells (ipscs): made in the lab

what are the different proliferation of stem cells?

• unlimited

• limited (hayflick limit)

what are the types of sc divisions?

what are the differentiation potentials?

• totipotent: can give rise to all the cell types in a body plus extraembryonic tissue

• pluripotent: can give rise to all cells types that make up the body

• multipotent: can give rise to more than one cell type 

• unipotent: can give rise to new cells of a single specific cell type

what are the characteristics of somatic ASCS?

• found in adult tissue/organs

• limited proliferation

• muti or unipotent

• replace dead or damaged cells

• they can remain quiescent (inactive)

• hard to isolate and grow in a lab

what is intestinal epithelial stem cells?

give rise to: absorptive cells, goblet cells, paneth cells

tissue source: epithelium of the digestive tract

intrinsic vs extrinsic sc function?

extrinsic: outside of the cell

intrensic: inside the cell

what is SC niche??

• the stem cells home

• cellular + non cellular components

• varies among diffrent organ/tissues

what are induced pluripotent sc (iPSCS)???

• unlimited self renewal

• pluripotent

• origin: re-programming of specialized cells 

what are the clinical applications of iPSCS??

• in vitro model of human disease

• in vitro model to study organogenesis and tissue morphogenesis

• drug screening/toxicity testing

• cell regeneration therapy