Stem Cell Biology Overview

Blastocysts can be used to obtain embryonic stem cells from nonviable embryos.

A single cell can be removed from a 2-3 day old embryo without harming the remaining cells.

A chromosomal nondisjunction event can lead to an extra chromosome 21, causing Down Syndrome.

Trisomies like Down Syndrome are due to chromosomal nondisjunction during gametogenesis (sperm or egg).

A trisomy is when there are three copies of a chromosome instead of the normal two.

Babies with this condition rarely live into their teens, but survival is possible.

Most babies with Edwards Syndrome die before birth or shortly after.

Trisomy 18 occurs in 1/6000-8000 births, and Trisomy 13 in 1/8000-12000 births.

30-50% of fertilized eggs are lost before implantation, 10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, most before 12 weeks; 50-70% of first-trimester miscarriages due to chromosomal abnormalities.

Alabama's Supreme Court ruled embryos are 'extrauterine children' in a wrongful death case related to accidental embryo destruction.

Glucose enters beta cells via facilitated diffusion, then phosphorylation traps it inside, preventing it from leaving.

A glucose transporter protein in beta cells; it's active, but only transports glucose effectively when blood glucose levels are high.

Increased blood glucose triggers the pumping of positively charged potassium ions out of the beta cell, changing the voltage difference across the cell membrane.

Voltage-gated channels that open when the cell's voltage changes, allowing calcium ions to flow into the beta cell.

Calcium ions in the cell cause insulin-containing granules to fuse with the cell membrane and release insulin into the bloodstream.

Pre-loaded vesicles containing insulin. Already in beta cells and waiting to release insulin.

Cells created from stem cells that can produce insulin in response to high blood sugar and function like mature beta cells.

A type of stem cell with the ability to differentiate into a wide variety of specialized cell types, including the beta cells in the pancreas.

The concentration of glucose in the blood. Impacts insulin release.

Increased glucose levels in blood triggers a specific mechanism for insulin release, when the level goes over 5.5 nmol/l.

A system designed to protect PEC-01 cells from the recipient's immune system, eliminating the need for immune-suppressing drugs in transplants.

A membrane that allows specific substances (like oxygen and nutrients) to pass through while blocking others.

The creation of blood vessels on a surface, crucial for the delivery of nutrients to cells.

A material used in the Encaptra System's membrane, similar to Gore's implantable medical products.

Formation of excessive fibrous tissue (scar tissue) in an organ or tissue.

The body's immune reaction to an implanted medical device, often leading to scar tissue formation.

Cells protected by the Encaptra System; likely important for some function.

Scar tissue formation around the Encaptra implant, limiting diffusion of signals and hormones.

Converting stem cells into functional nerve cells.

Conditions treatable with Bone Marrow Stem Cell (BMSC) transplantation include acute and chronic leukemias, sickle cell disease, aplastic anemia, congenital immunodeficiency diseases, lymphomas, metabolic diseases of childhood, myelodysplasia, and thalassemia.

Patients with acute myeloid or lymphoblastic leukemia may benefit from bone marrow transplantation (BMT).

Patients with acute myeloid leukemia in first remission after BMT have a 50-60% chance of long-term survival without disease.

The chance of relapse after BMT correlates with the patient's remission status, ranging from 20% in first remission to 60% with more advanced disease.

Patients with chronic myelocytic leukemia in remission who receive BMT have a 60-70% chance of long-term survival.

Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) is becoming more common due to potential cures for genetic diseases in children.

To minimize rejection, the donor and recipient's Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) complex should have nearly identical gene variants.

There are many known alleles for HLA-A, HLA-C, and HLA-D. However, these genes are often inherited as a unit on the same chromosome.

The limited availability of donors is a key challenge limiting the use of BMT.

The alpha cell's glucose sensor, composed of GLUT1 and glucokinase, detects lower blood sugar levels than the beta cell's sensor. It triggers a response when glucose levels drop.

The beta cell's glucose sensor reacts to rising blood glucose levels, initiating insulin secretion.

A glucose transporter protein in the alpha cell that transports glucose into the cell at lower blood glucose levels.

A genetic disorder affecting the nervous system, characterized by reduced glucose transport, especially to the brain, often resulting in seizures, developmental delays, and microcephaly.

A key enzyme in glucose metabolism that facilitates glucose entry and glycolysis in alpha cells.

Glucose is the primary fuel source and energy supply for the brain.

The concentration of glucose in the bloodstream. Crucial for energy throughout the body, including the brain.

Release of insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.

Release of glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels, often in response to low blood sugar levels.

A chronic condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin.

A condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't make enough.

A group of metabolic diseases with high blood glucose.

Elevated blood sugar levels, a key characteristic of diabetes.

Frequent urination, a symptom of high blood sugar.

Increased thirst, a symptom of high blood sugar.

Increased hunger, a symptom of high blood sugar.

A hormone that helps cells absorb glucose for energy.

Stiffness caused by abnormal muscle tension.

Difficulties coordinating movements.

Difficulties with speech.

Muscle twitches.

Lack of energy.

Time without food or drink.

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

Adult Stem Cells, found in various adult tissues.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells, reprogrammed adult cells to become pluripotent.

Stem cells' ability to divide and make identical copies of themselves.

The process by which stem cells become specialized cells.

Stem cells able to differentiate into any cell type in the body.

Early embryonic cells with the potential to form a complete organism.

Stem cells differentiated, but able to form several cell types within a tissue lineage or organ type.

Harvested from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst.

Derived from gonadal tissues of aborted fetuses.

Stem cells from umbilical cord blood.

Stem cells from the placenta.

Cells derived from an early-stage embryo (blastocyst) that can differentiate into various specialized cell types.

Embryos that have not developed normally and are not expected to develop into a healthy fetus.

Cultured cells derived from the inner cell mass of a disrupted embryo, able to differentiate.

A process where eggs are fertilized by sperm outside the body, often resulting in multiple embryos.

Classification of embryos based on their physical characteristics under a microscope.

A stage of early embryonic development, characterized by a hollow ball of cells with an inner cell mass.

The inner portion of a blastocyst, which will eventually develop into the fetus.

A genetic condition where a chromosome has three copies instead of the usual two.

A fault or abnormality in a gene or chromosome that can lead to a health problem.

A system protecting PEC-01 cells from the recipient's immune system, eliminating the need for immunosuppressants in transplants.

A membrane allowing some substances to pass through while blocking others.

The growth of blood vessels on a surface, needed to deliver nutrients to cells.

A material used in the Encaptra System's membrane, similar to Gore's products.

The formation of excess fibrous tissue (scar tissue) in an organ or tissue.

The immune system's reaction to an implanted device, often causing scar tissue formation.

Cells protected by the Encaptra System, likely important for function.

Scar tissue formation around the implant, hindering signal and hormone diffusion.

Converting stem cells into functional nerve cells.

Blastocysts, produced from embryos, provide a route to embryonic stem cells, especially from nonviable embryos.

A single cell can be removed from a 2-3 day-old embryo without negatively impacting the remaining cells' viability.

A chromosomal nondisjunction event (in gamete formation) resulting in an extra copy of chromosome 21, causing Down Syndrome.

Trisomies result from chromosomal nondisjunction during gametogenesis (sperm or egg production).

A chromosomal trisomy involves the presence of three copies of a specific chromosome instead of the usual two.

Babies with Trisomy 13 (Patau Syndrome) rarely live into their teens, though some can survive for a time.

Most babies with Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome) die before birth or soon after birth due to severe heart/lung defects.

Trisomy 18 occurs in approximately 1 in 6,000-8,000 live births, and Trisomy 13 in 1 in 8,000-12,000 live births.

A significant percentage of fertilized eggs are lost before/during implantation, and 10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, often before 12 weeks; chromosomal abnormalities frequently observed.

Alabama's Supreme Court ruled that embryos are considered 'extrauterine children' in a wrongful death lawsuit involving a fertility clinic and hospital.

A type of cancer affecting blood-forming cells.

A person donating blood-forming stem cells to potentially cure a patient with blood cancer.

A group of genes on chromosomes that determine proteins involved in immune function.

Cells capable of developing into various types of blood cells.

The process of releasing insulin into the bloodstream to regulate blood sugar.

Channels in cell membranes that open and close in response to voltage changes.

The movement of calcium ions into a cell.

Cells in the pancreas responsible for insulin secretion.

Channels that open in response to mechanical stimuli.

Conditions treatable with Bone Marrow Stem Cell (BMSC) transplantation include acute and chronic leukemias, sickle cell disease, aplastic anemia, congenital immunodeficiency diseases, lymphomas, metabolic diseases of childhood, myelodysplasia, and thalassemia.

Patients with acute myeloid or lymphoblastic leukemia may benefit from bone marrow transplantation (BMT).

Patients with acute myeloid leukemia in first remission after BMT have a 50-60% chance of long-term survival without disease.

The chance of relapse after BMT correlates with the patient's remission status, ranging from 20% in first remission to 60% with more advanced disease.

Patients with chronic myelocytic leukemia in remission who receive BMT have a 60-70% chance of long-term survival.

Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) is becoming more common due to potential cures for genetic diseases in children.

To minimize rejection, the donor and recipient's Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) complex should have nearly identical gene variants.

There are many known alleles for HLA-A, HLA-C, and HLA-D. However, these genes are often inherited as a unit on the same chromosome.

The limited availability of donors is a key challenge limiting the use of BMT.