Stem cells: a comprehensive review of origins and emerging clinical roles in medical practice

Abstract

Stem cells are types of cells that have unique ability to self-renew and to differentiate into more than one cell lineage. They are considered building blocks of tissues and organs. Over recent decades, they have been studied and utilized for repair and regenerative medicine. One way to classify these cells is based on their differentiation capacity. Totipotent stem cells can give rise to any cell of an embryo but also to extra-embryonic tissue as well. Pluripotent stem cells are limited to any of the three embryonic germ layers; however, they cannot differentiate into extra-embryonic tissue. Multipotent stem cells can only differentiate into one germ line tissue. Oligopotent and unipotent stem cells are seen in adult organ tissues that have committed to a cell lineage. Another way to differentiate these cells is based on their origins. Stem cells can be extracted from different sources, including bone marrow, amniotic cells, adipose tissue, umbilical cord, and placental tissue. Stem cells began their role in modern regenerative medicine in the 1950’s with the first bone marrow transplantation occurring in 1956. Stem cell therapies are at present indicated for a range of clinical conditions beyond traditional origins to treat genetic blood diseases and have seen substantial success. In this regard, emerging use for stem cells is their potential to treat pain states and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Stem cells offer hope in neurodegeneration to replace neurons damaged during certain disease states. This review compares stem cells arising from these different sources of origin and include clinical roles for stem cells in modern medical practice.

Identifying Differences in Molecular Characteristics Relevant for Remodeling of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells from the Upper and Lower Jaw

“…Since mesenchymal stem cells were discovered more than 40 years ago, the relevance of stem cell research has become more important due the stem cells’ plasticity and patient-specific transplantations. These physiological and developmental characteristics make stem cells an integral part in the field of Regenerative Medicine due to their ability to generate entire tissues and organs from just a handful of progenitor cells [ 24 ]. Despite these similarities, different sources of MSC exhibit differences associated with the tissue origin from which they are derived.…”

Identifying differences in molecular characteristics relevant for remodelling of periodontal ligament stem cells from upper and lower jaw

“…Since mesenchymal stem cells were discovered more than 40 years ago, the relevance of stem cell research has become more important due the stem cells´ plasticity and patient-speci c transplantations. These physiological and developmental characteristics make stem cells an integral part in the eld of Regenerative Medicine due to their ability to generate entire tissues and organs from just a handful of progenitor cells [27]. Despite these similarities, different sources of MSC exhibit differences associated to the tissue origin from which they are derived.…”

Cellular therapeutics and immunotherapies in wound healing – on the pulse of time?

“…A stem cell is defined as an immature, unspecialized cell that can undergo self-propagation and has the ability to differentiate into more than one cell lineage, often to replace aged or damaged tissue [ 45 , 46 ]. Two fundamental ideas position stem cells as a promising therapeutic prospect for the treatment of chronic wounds.…”