STEM CELLS: The Facts
- In order of least differentiated to most differentiated, stem cells can be classified as Totipotent, Pluripotent, or Multipotent
- There are currently three clinical trials being done with stem cells
- Researchers hope to use stem cells to treat diseases such as Parkinson's Disease, spinal cord injury, burns, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes
- Like other medical treatments, Stem Cell treatment has risks including infection and the development of tumors
- Embryotic and Adult Stem Cells are similar in numerous characteristics, but Adult Stem Cells are much more differentiated
- Stem cell transplant is not perfect; many obstacles such as cell survival and proper differentiation must be met first
- Adult Stem Cells have been used for bone marrow transplants which shows they can be successful
- No transplants have been successful for Embryotic Stem Cells as of this time
- Embryonic Stem Cells have shown success in in vitro trials and in animals
- Adult Stem Cells are difficult to culture and isolate
- Other than treatment, stem cells can be used for human development studies and disease studies
- Stem cells are (for all purposes) are immortal so they can be stored indefinitely in Stem Cell Lines
- Cord blood can be saved from an individual and used if needed in order to avoid rejection
- The important part of the blastocyst is the Inner Cell Mass; this is where Embryonic Stem Cells are found
- An example of Adult Stem Cells is the ones in the bone marrow: they are multipotent and can only become various types of blood cells