Adult stem cells

Adult stem cells are undifferentiated cells, found throughout the body after development, that multiply by cell division to replenish dying cells and regenerate damaged tissues. Also known as somatic stem cells, they can be found in children, as well as adults.

Characteristics

Adult stem cells have two important characteristics that distinguish them from other cells. First, they are unspecialized cells capable of renewing themselves through cell division. Second, under certain physiological or experimental conditions, they can be induced to become tissue- or organ-specific cells with special functions.

Types

There are several known types of adult stem cells. The most well-known and studied include Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and Neural stem cells (NSCs).

Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Hematopoietic stem cells are found in the bone marrow and blood. They are responsible for producing all of the body's blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells are found in many tissues, including bone marrow, fat, and teeth. They can differentiate into a variety of cell types, including bone cells, cartilage cells, and fat cells.

Neural Stem Cells

Neural stem cells are found in the brain and spinal cord. They can differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes.

Uses in Medicine

Adult stem cells are currently being used in therapies for a variety of diseases and conditions, including leukemia, lymphoma, and sickle cell anemia. They are also being studied for their potential use in treating other conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.

Research and Controversy

While adult stem cells hold much promise, there is also controversy surrounding their use. Some people object to the use of embryonic stem cells for research or therapy, while others are concerned about the potential for misuse of stem cell technologies.

See Also

• Stem cell
• Embryonic stem cell
• Induced pluripotent stem cell

References

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