Understanding Adult Stem Cells

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Questions and Answers

What are adult stem cells?

Cells capable of forming any cell type during development

Undifferentiated cells located among specialized cells after birth (correct)

Cells found only in embryos before birth

Fully specialized cells present in developed tissues

Which of the following is a characteristic of multipotent stem cells?

They are limited in the types of cells they can become (correct)

The capability to become a wide range of cell types

The ability to differentiate into any cell type

The ability to self-renew indefinitely

Which of the following is NOT a location where adult stem cells are found?

Skin

Fat cells

Bone marrow

Umbilical cord (correct)

What is the primary use of bone marrow stem cells in treatment?

To replace damaged bone marrow Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of hemangioblasts in blood cell formation?

They are precursor cells that differentiate into hematopoietic cells Signup and view all the answers

What role do satellite cells play in muscle tissue?

They are precursors to skeletal muscle cells and are responsible for muscle tissue regeneration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a master regulator of muscle cell differentiation?

Myo D Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential medical application of stem cell research?

To replace damaged or diseased tissues Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of stem cells that allows them to be useful in regenerative medicine?

Their inherent ability to self-renew and differentiate into various cell types. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of stem cell has the broadest differentiation capability, capable of forming a complete organism?

Totipotent Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between embryonic stem cells and embryonic germ cells?

Embryonic stem cells are derived from a five to six-day-old embryo, while embryonic germ cells are from a specific part of the embryo or fetus. Signup and view all the answers

A scientist is studying cells that can differentiate into multiple cell types but are not capable of forming all cell types of the body. Which type of stem cell is the scientist most likely studying?

Multipotent stem cells Signup and view all the answers

Which timeline accurately represents a key development in stem cell research?

1998 - First extraction of stem cells from human embryos, 1999 - First successful human transplant of insulin-making cells Signup and view all the answers

Where are embryonic stem cells primarily located during early development?

In the inner cell mass of the blastula Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes pluripotent stem cells from multipotent stem cells?

Pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into any of the over 200 cell types in the body, whereas, multipotent stem cells are more limited. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term 'proliferation' in the context of stem cell characteristics?

The long term self-renewal or replicating capacity of stem cells. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of stem cells makes them a viable option for regenerative medicine?

Their infinite division capacity and ability to produce multiple types of differentiated cells Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text provided, where could one likely find multipotent stem cells?

Fetal tissue, cord blood, and adult tissues Signup and view all the answers

What is a proposed use of stem cells harvested from the inner cell mass of a cloned blastocyst?

To form cardiac muscle for transplantation Signup and view all the answers

What is a major hurdle in the process of using stem cell transplants for therapy?

The high possibility of stem cell transplant rejection. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a technical challenge in stem cell research?

The possibility of cell lines having mutations Signup and view all the answers

What problem is associated with using adult derived stem cells?

They can lead to leukemia due to mutations Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the major benefits of stem cell research for advancing medical science?

They can replace diseased or damaged cells Signup and view all the answers

How are cardiomyocytes thought to initially respond to injury during cardiac regeneration?

They initiate DNA synthesis and may re-enter the cell cycle, Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of cancer stem cells?

They can persistently self-renew and differentiate Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a structure included in the first heart model grown from stem cells by Yaakov Nahmias?

Epidermis Signup and view all the answers

What role do signals from adjacent blood vessels play in the differentiation of β cells?

They are required for β cells to differentiate from the endocrine pancreas. Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is true about adult stem cells and beta cell generation?

Adult stem cells don't generate beta cells in the pancreas. Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial factor for the differentiation of early endoderm cells?

The specific combination and timing of various signals. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal for researchers regarding cultured embryonic stem cells?

To guide them to become insulin-producing β cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of normal stem cells according to the text?

They can self-renew and give rise to all cell types within their organ. Signup and view all the answers

Where have cancer stem cells been discovered, according to the text?

In breast, prostate, skin, blood, and brain tumors. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Stem Cell Biology - Course Information

Course name: Stem Cell Biology
Course code: Cell Biology MED105
Professor: A. Stephanou
Institution: European University Cyprus, School of Medicine

Stem Cells and their use in Therapy

Course: MED102
Institution: European University Cyprus (EUC)
Presented by: Dr. A. Stephanou

Objectives

Understand different types of stem cells and their characteristics
Explore how stem cells are derived
Analyze problems associated with stem cell therapy
Examine stem cells in treating cardiac, hematopoietic, and diabetic diseases

Stem Cell History

1998: Researchers extracted stem cells from human embryos for the first time.
1999: First successful human transplant of insulin-producing cells.
2002: The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International created a $20 million fund to support stem cell research.
2004: Harvard researchers grew stem cells from embryos using private funding.
2012: Stem cell scientists Sir John Gurdon (UK) and Shinya Yamanaka (Japan) shared the Nobel Prize for their work in medicine.

Stem Cell - Definition

A cell capable of continuous division and differentiation (development) into various cell types and tissues.

Stem Cell Characteristics

"Blank cells" (unspecialized)
Capable of self-renewal (proliferation and renewal) for extended periods
Potential to develop into specialized cell types (differentiation)

Kinds of Stem Cells

Totipotent: Each cell can develop into a completely new individual. Example: cells from early (1-3 day) embryos.
Pluripotent: Cells can form any of the 200+ types of cells in the body. Examples: Some cells of the blastocyst (5 to 14 days old).
Multipotent: Cells are differentiated but can still form a limited number of other tissue types. Examples: Fetal tissue, cord blood, adult stem cells.

Types of Stem Cells (Diagram)

Totipotent, Pluripotent, and Multipotent stem cells are depicted in a diagram showing their different abilities and further differentiation

Kinds of Stem Cells (Further Information)

Embryonic Stem Cells: Derived from a five to six-day-old embryo.
Embryonic Germ Cells: Derived from the part of a human embryo or fetus.
Adult Stem Cells: Undifferentiated cells found among specialized or differentiated cells in a tissue or organ after birth. Examples: Skin, fat cells, bone marrow, brain, and many other organs and tissues.

Multipotent Stem Cells

Limited in the types of cells they can become. Examples: specific types of blood cells, brain cells, heart cells, bone cells.

Blastocyst

A blastocyst is a type of early embryo containing a pluripotent stem cell

Bone Marrow

Found in spongy bone where blood cells are formed.
Used to replace damaged bone marrow with healthy bone marrow stem cells.
Can treat conditions like leukemia, aplastic anemia, and lymphomas.

Blood Cell Formation

Hemangioblasts are multipotent precursor cells that can differentiate into blood cells.
A diagram is shown that demonstrates the different steps of blood cell development as it forms multiple blood types.

Hemangioblasts (Diagram & Description)

A diagram illustrates the overall scheme for hematopoiesis, showing how embryonic stem cells lead to angioblasts that form blood vessels and universal blood stem cells, generating myeloid and lymphoid precursors.

Precursor Stem Cells for Muscle

Mesoangioblasts and Satellite cells are precursors for muscle cells.
Key point: Satellite cells support muscle regeneration.

Genetic Control of Muscle Cell Differentiation

MyoD is a master regulator of muscle cell differentiation from myogenic precursor cells.
Myogenin, Myf-5, and MRF-4 are transcription factors activating genes needed for differentiation.
Diagram showing the basic regions, and helix-loop-helix structures

Stem Cell Applications

Tissue repair (nerve, heart, muscle, organ, skin)
Cancers
Autoimmune diseases (diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, MS)

Medical Importance of Stem Cells

Stem cells can potentially replace damaged or diseased tissues.
Potential applications for treating Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke damage, diabetes, and arthritis.
Cloning a patient’s cell to create a blastocyst and induce stem cells to create cardiac muscle could treat heart conditions.
Current limitations in US government funding and political issues impede progress in embryonic stem cell research.

Creating iPS Cells (Diagram)

A step-by-step diagram illustrates the process of creating induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from adult cells such as skin or fibroblasts. iPS cells can then be differentiated into different cell types.

Challenges to Stem Cell/Cloning Research

Controlling stem cell development and proliferation after transplantation
High possibility of rejection due to stem cells being foreign tissue
Risk of contamination by microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi, Mycoplasma)

Technical Challenges

Cell lines might have mutations (errors in the genetic code)
Delivery to target areas: Getting stem cells to the right place.
Prevention of rejection of transplanted cells by the immune system.
Suppressing tumor formation.

Problems with Adult Stem Cells

Mutations in stem cells can lead to leukemia.
A diagram illustrates how mutations in stem cells can result in the formation of leukemia cells.

Why is Stem Cell Research Important?

Stem cells can replace damaged cells in many body parts.
Stem cells allow for the study of development and genetics.
Stem cells can test drugs and chemicals in a controlled environment.

Mechanism of Cardiac Diseases and Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy

Describes tissue regeneration in animals as an example of potential stem cell healing therapy for damaged parts.

Cardiac Regeneration

Cardiomyocytes initiate DNA synthesis and re-enter the cell cycle, sometimes.
Dedifferentiation of cardiomyocytes near damage occurs before loss of contractile proteins.
Undifferentiated stem or progenitor cells dominate the process.
In mammals, cardiomyocytes rarely divide post-injury.
Diagrams show examples in different biological organisms.

Stem Cells Used for Cardiac Repair

Describes the potential and challenges of using stem cells to repair hearts by highlighting the limitations of cardiomyocyte proliferation, terminal differentiation, proliferation capacity, and inadequate chemotaxis.
Cardiac regeneration may be limited by the hostile microenvironment affecting stem cell regeneration.
Inadequate mobilization, insufficient homing, and poor multipotency can occur during bone marrow stem cell mobilization.
Loss of viable stem cells and stem cell function due to age is a significant barrier.

Cardiac Tissue Engineering

Adult hearts, like brains, are predominantly made up of differentiated cells that may have stem cells supporting regeneration.
Discovery of Yaakov Nahmias created the first heart model grown from stem cells including all of the key structures of a heart--ventricles, atria, epicardium, endocardium, and an artificial pacemaker.

Clinical Trials of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

A complex diagram illustrating the processes and cells involved in hematopoietic stem cell transplantations. Different types of cells like hematopoietic stem cells, NK cells, T progenitors, B progenitors, Dendritic Cells, and various blood cells.

Stem Cells and Diabetes

Beta cells are not generated from adult pancreas stem cells.
Adult stem cells are unlikely to cure diabetes.
Embryonic stem cells have been shown to produce insulin-producing beta cells.

Germ Layer Differentiation

Diagram illustrates how the three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm) give rise to the various organ systems.

Forming Specialized Cells

Growth factors and other signals direct stem cell differentiation and dictate the cell type.
The same factors can guide the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells in culture for different cell types.

Identifying Signals for Differentiation

Early endoderm cells receive cues (signals) that control their differentiation into various cells.
Signals include transcription factors, cytoplasmic factors, and growth factors.
Cells physically contact each other/adjacent blood vessels to communicate for proper differentiation signaling.

The Future Task

Directing cultured embryonic stem cells to become insulin-producing beta cells.

Cancer Stem Cells

Rare cells within organs with self-renewal capacity and differentiation potential crucial for organogenesis.
Rare cells within tumors with self-renewal capacity and differentiation potential critical to tumor growth.

Cancer Stem Cell Therapy

Cancer stem cells have been identified in a range of cancers (breast, prostate, skin, blood, brain).
Cancer stem cells exhibit persistent self-renewal and differentiation potential within the tumor.
Recent evidence suggests specific genes are abnormally expressed in cancer stem cells.
The aim of cancer stem cell therapy is to kill, stop the proliferation, or differentiate these cells to stop cancerous growth.

Therapeutic Implications of Cancer Stem Cells

Cancer therapy needs to consider the different sensitivities of cancer stem cells and non-tumorigenic cells.
Most therapies primarily target rapidly growing cells rather than the quiescent, or dormant, cancer stem cells.

Summary of Stem Cell Source

A flow chart summarizes how different stem cell sources lead to different specific cells, and their potential medical use.

Summary of Stem Cell Source (Isolation, Delivery, Survival, and Electro-mechanics)

Diagram illustrates isolation and delivery methods for different types of stem cells.
Survival and proliferation of stem cells in the host body are critical.
Electro-mechanical integration of stem cells with the host tissue is also important for long-term effects.
Diagram also demonstrates the challenges involved in these different stages of stem cell therapy.

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Description

This quiz explores the essential concepts of adult stem cells, their characteristics, and applications in medicine. Test your knowledge on the roles of various stem cells and their potential in regenerative therapies.