Stem cells are a special type of cells that have unlimited potential to develop into any type of cell in the human body. They can be used to treat various medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases. Stem cells are classified into two types, embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells.
The development of stem cells can be achieved through various methods. In this article, we will discuss the different techniques used to develop stem cells.
Embryonic stem cells are derived from embryos that are typically five to six days old. They are pluripotent, which means that they can differentiate into all the cell types in the body. The development of embryonic stem cells involves the following methods:
1.1 In vitro fertilization method – This method involves the fertilization of eggs in a petri dish outside the body. After fertilization, the resulting embryo is allowed to grow for 5-6 days to form a blastocyst. The blastocyst is then dissected to obtain embryonic stem cells.
1.2 Somatic cell nuclear transfer – This method involves the transfer of the nucleus of a somatic cell into an egg without a nucleus. The resulting structure is allowed to grow into an embryo, which is then dissected to obtain embryonic stem cells.
1.3 Parthenogenesis method – This method involves the activation of an unfertilized egg to form an embryo. The embryo is then allowed to grow into a blastocyst, which is dissected to obtain embryonic stem cells.
Adult stem cells are found in various tissues and organs in the body. They are multipotent, meaning that they can differentiate into a limited number of cell types. The development of adult stem cells involves the following methods:
2.1 Bone marrow extraction method – This method involves the extraction of bone marrow from a patient’s hip bone using a needle. The bone marrow is then processed in a laboratory to isolate adult stem cells.
2.2 Peripheral blood stem cells extraction – This method involves the extraction of stem cells from the blood using a machine that separates stem cells from other blood components. The blood stem cells are then processed in a laboratory to isolate adult stem cells.
2.3 Adipose tissue extraction method – This method involves the extraction of adipose tissue from a patient’s abdomen or thigh using liposuction. The adipose tissue is then processed in a laboratory to isolate adult stem cells.
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are generated by reprogramming adult cells to become pluripotent. This process involves the introduction of specific genes into a somatic cell, which resets the cell to an embryonic state. The development of iPSCs involves the following methods:
3.1 Viral vector method – This method involves the use of a virus to introduce the specific genes into the cell. The virus can cause adverse effects that limit its application in clinical settings.
3.2 Non-viral vector method – This method involves the use of chemicals or electrical pulses to introduce the specific genes into the cell. It is considered safer than the viral vector method and has a more significant potential in clinical settings.
Stem cells development is a crucial area in medical research since stem cells have the potential to treat numerous medical conditions. The methods discussed in this article vary in their complexity, effectiveness, and potential uses. While embryonic stem cells and iPSCs have wider potential in the treatment of various medical conditions, adult stem cells are limited in their differentiation abilities. Further research is needed to harness the full potential of stem cells and improve their clinical application.