Stem Cells

Embryonic Stem Cells: Stem cells that are derived from embryos. Most embryonic stem cells come from embryos which have developed from eggs that have been fertilized in vitro. They are typically four to five days old and in the form of a blastocyst.

iPS Stem Cells: (Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells) Adult Stem Cells that have been genetically changed to be in an embryonic stem cell-like state.

Adult Stem Cells: Thought to be an undifferentiated cell which is found among differentiated cells in a tissue/organ that has the ability to renew itself and is able to differentiate in order to yield some or all of the major specialized cell types of that tissue/organ

How scientists get stem cells to specialize in the lab:

First, scientists remove the outer layer that would generally form the placenta. These cells are placed in a petri dish. The bottom of the petri dish is layered with mouse embryonic fiberglass in order to promote cell growth. Of all these cells, only a few survive usually, and these can grow into colonies of cells. This process is called cell renewal. Then, they begin to differentiate and specialize (forming different types of tissues). Scientists are trying to control the process where they specialize by adding the growth factors sonic hedgehog and activin. Scientists are continuing to research in order to figure out the combination of signals to tell the cells what to become.

Interested? Watch this video for more information!

http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/media/creating_lines-sm.mov

Stem Cells and Disease:

Researchers hav been using stem cells in order to reverse course of Type 1 Diabetes. This is being done through injections of patients own stem cells. The research team led by Dr. Julio Voltarelli is the first to successfully treat type 1 Diabetes patients with their own stem cells!

Curious about stem cell research with other disease? Check out this site!

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/0305/03-related.html