Tissue Engineering and Cancer Biology Quiz

A method of delivering stem cells into the body by injecting them directly into the desired area. This technique is less invasive than other methods and allows the cells to adapt to their surrounding environment.

A scaffold created from the naturally occurring extracellular matrix (ECM) of an organ. This material is biocompatible and provides a framework for new tissue growth.

A biological material that serves as a template or framework for tissue regeneration. These are derived from natural sources like collagen or ECM.

A method of manufacturing solid scaffolds for tissue engineering using computer-aided design (CAD). This technique allows for precise customization of the scaffold to match the shape of the defect.

A process of removing cells from a donor organ while preserving the organ's structure and ECM. This creates a scaffold that can be seeded with new cells for tissue regeneration.

The practice of combining scaffolds, cells, and biologically active molecules into functional tissues.

A field aiming to restore, maintain, or improve damaged tissues or organs using engineered constructs.

A field that encompasses tissue engineering, cell therapy, and regenerative medicine.

A crucial challenge in regenerative medicine is to be able to grow cells outside the body in a lab.

The process of growing or expanding cells in a laboratory setting outside of their natural environment, often in a culture dish.

The lack of adequate blood vessels to deliver nutrients and remove waste products, hindering tissue growth.

Materials used as a foundation for tissue growth, providing structure and support for cells.

Biologically active molecules, like proteins or growth factors, that guide cell behavior and promote tissue formation.

A group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth, invasion, and spread to other parts of the body.

A type of cancer that originates in epithelial cells, which line surfaces and cavities of the body, making up 85% of cancers.

A type of cancer that originates from mesodermal cells, responsible for development of bones, muscles, and other tissues.

A type of cancer that originates in glandular tissues, which secrete substances like hormones.

Agents that can cause cancer by damaging DNA and promoting uncontrolled cell growth.

Agents that cause changes in the sequence of DNA, often leading to mutations that contribute to cancer.

Cancer develops due to changes in the genetic makeup of cells, mainly through somatic mutations (changes in non-reproductive cells).

The genetic alterations that underlie cancer can range from subtle point mutations (single base changes) to large chromosomal rearrangements (deletions, translocations).

A type of gene therapy vector that is a virus that has been modified to be incapable of replicating independently. It is used only in ex vivo therapy.

A type of viral vector commonly used in gene therapy. Can be produced in high concentrations in cultures.

A common gene delivery system that is a spherical structure made of lipids. An aqueous solution is surrounded by a lipid shell.

A disadvantage of viral vectors used in gene therapy is the possibility of causing cancer.

An advantage of using ex vivo therapy with retroviruses is that they can permanently change target cells.

A disadvantage of adenoviruses is that the effect of the transferred gene is temporary.

A disadvantage of using liposomes in gene therapy is that they are not very efficient at delivering their cargo.

A disadvantage of liposomes is that the effect of the transferred gene is temporary.

A type of gene therapy where the therapeutic gene is delivered directly into the bloodstream, often targeting the liver.

A genetic disorder causing ammonia buildup in the blood, especially affecting the nervous system. This condition can be treated using in vivo gene therapy targeting the liver.

A gene therapy strategy using retroviral vectors to deliver therapeutic genes into hematopoietic stem cells, which then give rise to all blood cells.

A severe immune deficiency disorder often referred to as 'bubble baby syndrome', historically treated with gene therapy using retroviral vectors.

Gene therapy targeting hematopoietic stem cells can be used for a variety of diseases, including those affecting the immune system, like HIV.

Certain proteins on the surface of cells, like CD4 and coreceptors (CCR5 or CXCR4), can be targeted by gene therapy to treat HIV infection.

A specific gene therapy using stem cells to treat ADA-SCID. This therapy was approved in 2016.

The use of gene therapy to modify or replace faulty genes in order to treat inherited disorders or other diseases. This field has shown promise but also encountered safety challenges.

A method to isolate cancer stem cells (CSCs) by growing them in a special serum-free medium that encourages them to form non-adherent clusters (spheroids).

A cell surface marker, also known as prominin-1, that is commonly used to identify and isolate CSCs. It is expressed in embryonic and hematopoietic stem cells.

A cell surface marker often used to isolate CSCs. It's a transmembrane glycoprotein that plays a critical role in cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation.

A transmembrane glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion and signaling, potentially linked to cancer development.

An intracellular marker that helps identify CSCs. This enzyme is involved in detoxification and is often elevated in CSCs.

A marker found within CSCs that plays a key role in the self-renewal of these cells, similar to its role in embryonic stem cells.

An intracellular marker associated with CSCs, crucial for maintaining stem-cell properties and preventing differentiation.

The use of cell surface markers to isolate CSC populations from tumors. However, it has drawbacks like a limited number of cells that can be isolated, which can be a challenge with small tumors.