L4 stem cells

Stem Cells

Unspecialised cells that can reproduce indefinitely and differentiate into specialized cell types.

Totipotent

generate all the tissues of the embryo and extra-embryonic tissues, such as the placenta. - zygote

Pluripotent

generate cells from all three germ layers, but not the extra-embryonic tissues. - embryonic stem cells

Multipotent

Stem cells with the ability to differentiate into multiple lineages but not all germ layers. - haemopoietic stem cells

Unipotent

Stem cells that can only differentiate along one lineage. - most adult stem cells in differentiated undamaged tissues, in normal conditions.

Autologous

Stem cells taken from an individual and returned to the same person.

Allogeneic

Stem cells taken from one individual and returned to a different person.

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT)

A method for reproductive cloning where the nucleus of an egg cell is replaced with the nucleus of a differentiated cell.

Human embryonic stem cells (hESC)

Pluripotent stem cells derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst post-fertilisation.

Therapeutic Cloning

The application of SCNT to produce patient-specific cell lines designed to replace injured or diseased tissues.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPS cells)

Somatic cells that have been reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell-like state using specific genes.

Teratoma

A benign tumor that may contain tissues from more than one germ layer, which can arise if pluripotent cells are left in therapies of differentiated cells.

Neural Stem Cells

Stem cells that can differentiate into nerve cells and support structures associated with the nervous system.

Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs)

Stem cells that give rise to all types of blood cells and are used for blood system replacements.

Regenerative Medicine

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

The dual potential of iPS cells

iPS cells can be used for cell therapy to replace nonfunctional tissues and as a research model for diseases.

Stem Cell Research Regulations

Guidelines and policies across the world governing the ethical use of embryonic and non-embryonic stem cells.

ethical advantages of iPS

person-specific, no embryos damaged, makes lines for people with genetic disease and study lineages

problems with iPS

genetically modified, potential oncogenesis or damage to host genome, differentiation + hESC with similar limitations