Stem Cells : Role and types |

Описание: Stem cells are undifferentiated cells with the unique ability to self-renew and differentiate into specialized cell types, playing a crucial role in development, tissue repair, and regenerative medicine. They are classified based on their potency, which defines their differentiation potential. Totipotent stem cells, such as the zygote, can form an entire organism, including both embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues. Pluripotent stem cells, like embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), can differentiate into any cell type of the three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm) but cannot form extra-embryonic tissues. Multipotent stem cells, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), have a more restricted lineage potential, differentiating into specific cell types within their respective lineages. Oligopotent stem cells, such as myeloid progenitors, can generate a few related cell types, while unipotent stem cells, like muscle satellite cells, produce only one type of specialized cell. Stem cells are used in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and disease modeling. Clinically, HSCs are widely used for bone marrow transplants in leukemia, while MSCs hold promise for treating osteoarthritis, myocardial infarction, and immune disorders. iPSCs offer potential for personalized medicine, enabling patient-specific disease modeling and cell-based therapies.
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