Embryonic Stem Cells Overview

Embryonic Stem Cells, harvested from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst.

Adult Stem Cells, found in various adult tissues.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells, artificially created from adult cells.

Stem cells' ability to create identical copies of themselves.

Stem cells transforming into specialized cells (e.g., heart cell, nerve cell).

Stem cells having the potential to become any cell type.

Stem cells capable of forming a complete organism.

Stem cells able to form many, but not all, cell types.

Stem cells found in umbilical cord blood, with properties similar to bone marrow stem cells.

Stem cells originating from germline tissues of aborted fetuses.

Stem cells obtained from the placenta, potentially higher in yield than umbilical cord stem cells.

A sibling who has the same human leukocyte antigen (HLA) type as the recipient, a crucial factor for successful bone marrow transplantation (BMT).

A person, not related to the recipient, who donates bone marrow; usually found through national or international registries.

Relatives who are not HLA-identical, but are used as bone marrow donors for BMT.

Using a patient's own bone marrow, after remission, as a source for BMT.

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD); a potential complication of allogeneic BMT where transplanted cells attack the recipient's tissues. It's less common with autologous BMT.

Relapsed, chemotherapy-sensitive lymphoma and acute leukemia in remission are suitable cases for autologous BMT.

A technique to remove tumor cells from the bone marrow before transplantation to improve outcomes in autologous BMT.

Post-transplantation strategies to control or modify the recipient's immune system to reduce and manage post-transplant complications for BMT.

The presence of tumor cells in the bone marrow graft, a major issue in autologous BMT, leading to recurrence.

An effect where transplanted cells target and destroy the remaining tumor cells in the recipient, crucial for success in allogeneic BMT but is not common with autologous BMT.

The process by which the human body maintains blood sugar levels within a narrow range.

The target level of blood sugar that the body aims to maintain, typically around 90 mg/dL.

Blood sugar levels can fluctuate by up to 50% during the day.

Amylase enzymes break down starch into simple sugars (glucose).

Branching in starch and glycogen allows enzymes easy access to break glucose bonds.

Blood sugar increases after consuming carbohydrates.

Processes that maintain blood sugar levels.

Pancreatic hormones that regulate blood glucose.

The pancreas secretes insulin and glucagon in response to high or low blood sugar levels, respectively.

Blood sugar is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

Composed of GLUT1 and glucokinase, it detects lower blood glucose levels, triggering glucagon secretion.

Calcium ions act as messengers in numerous cellular processes, often triggering responses like cell growth.

Responds to rising blood glucose levels, initiating insulin release.

Channels in cell membranes that open or close in response to mechanical forces or changes in cell shape.

A glucose transporter with a low glucose affinity (Km ~1 mM).

Mechanism of mechanosensitive channel activation where changes in membrane structure cause the channel to open.

An enzyme crucial for glucose metabolism in alpha cells, its Km for glucose is ~5.5 mM.

Mechanism of mechanosensitive channel activation involving changes in structures outside the cell membrane (like the extracellular matrix and cytoskeleton).

A genetic disorder affecting glucose transport, primarily to the brain, resulting in neurological symptoms.

A device that uses music-triggered calcium surges to release drugs from vesicles.

Organic compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, often with the general formula C(H₂O)ₙ.

The primary energy source for the brain.

The basic unit structure of carbohydrates.

A prevalent form of GLUT1 deficiency characterized by seizures, developmental delays, and potentially microcephaly.

Primary source of energy for living things.

Breakdown of glucose into smaller molecules, producing energy.

Adding a phosphate group to a molecule.

Enzyme that catalyzes the phosphorylation of glucose.

Adenosine triphosphate, a molecule that stores and releases energy for cellular processes.

Rate-limiting enzyme in glycolysis.

The ideal blood sugar level range for good health is between 80-110 mg/dL.

Frequent fluctuations between high and low blood sugar levels are common in people with diabetes.

A system that continuously tracks blood glucose levels throughout the day and night.

Measures blood glucose at a single point in time.

Checking glucose levels in the urine is not a reliable way to monitor blood sugar levels in diabetes.

Delivers insulin automatically when needed to manage blood glucose levels.

Closely monitoring and controlling blood sugar levels can lead to reduced mortality in type 1 diabetics.

Measures glucose in the fluid surrounding cells, not directly in blood.

Low blood glucose levels.

High blood glucose levels.