Stem cells are increasingly making headlines in the healthcare industry. They hold potential to revolutionize treatments in areas like regenerative medicine, tissue repair, and even genetic disorders.
But what exactly makes stem cells so special compared to other cells? The answer is their ability to self-renew and recreate functional tissues.
Stem cells’ defining characteristic is that they can differentiate into several different cell types during growth and development. Their application area is gradually expanding in modern medicine and drug discovery as research intensifies.
According to Coherent Market Insights report, the global stem cells industry valuation is projected to reach US$ 23.7 billion by 2030. Global demand for stem cells will likely rise at a robust CAGR of 9.1% during the forecast period.
Types of Stem Cells
Stem cells are classified into following five types based on their potential to differentiate:
- Totipotent Stem Cells
Totipotent cells are the most potent type of stem cells. They can differentiate into all possible cell types in the body. The initial few cells that appear as the zygote starts to divide are totipotent.
- Pluripotent Stem Cells
Pluripotent cells can develop into almost all types of cells. They are mostly derived from early embryos.
- Multipotent Stem Cells
Multipotent cells can differentiate into a specific range of cells within a particular lineage. They are essential for the tissue renewal and repair process of the body. Examples of multipotent cells include hematopoietic stem cells.
- Oligopotent Stem Cells
Oligopotent cells can differentiate into a few closely related cell types. They are less potent than pluripotent or multipotent cells. Examples include myeloid stem cells.
- Unipotent Stem Cells
Unipotent cells can only produce cells of one kind, probably their own type. Examples include adult muscle stem cells.
Sources of Stem Cells
- Embryonic Stem Cells
Embryonic stem cells are derived from human embryos that are 4 to 7 days old after fertilization. These cells are potentially immortal and can develop into any cell type of tissue in the body.
- Adult Stem Cells or Somatic Stem Cells
Adult stem cells, also referred to as tissue-specific stem cells, are found in specific tissues in the body. They are multipotent and responsible for tissue repair and maintenance. These cells are less versatile than embryonic stem cells. However, they have the advantage of being less likely to form tumors.
- Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)
Induced pluripotent stem cells are artificially created by scientists/researchers through reprogramming adult somatic cells. They can mimic many functions and characteristics of embryonic stem cells. These cells are helpful in studying disease development and testing novel drugs.
iPSCs are becoming ideal alternatives to embryonic stem cells. They can be derived from a patient’s own cells. By doing this, they lower the risk of immune rejection.
Medical Applications of Stem Cells
- Regenerative Medicine
One of the most significant applications of stem cells is in tissue regeneration. Stem cells can be employed to replace diseased or damaged cells and tissues. They hold the potential for treating conditions like heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and spinal cord injuries.
- Blood Disease Treatment
Adult hematopoietic stem cells are being widely used to treat sickle cell anemia, cancer, and other immunodeficiency diseases. They have the tendency to produce red and white blood cells in the body.
