Adult Stem Cells
Adult Stem Cells
Stem cells are progenitor cells that have the potential to grow into other types of cells. They are found in several tissues, but the cells found in the bone marrow, placenta, umbilical cord and heart(cardiocytes) are common sources of adult stem cells. The mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), derived from the bone marrow, are the best source of adult stem cells.
By changing the composition of their growth medium, the MSCs can differentiate into mesodermal tissues such as the osteocytes (bone cells) adipocytes (fat cells) and the chondrocytes (cartilage). This feature of the MSCs have made them favorites for tissue engineering.
The differentiated cells derived from a person, can be grown into the required cells and be put back into the same person, if an organ becomes impaired or non- functional.
Adult cells are fully -differentiated cells and hence their potential to act as stem cells is restricted. MSCs divide for a fixed number of times and this makes their number limited. Besides, they also tend to accumulate mutation with the passage of time. Other factors that limit their use would be poor availability, growth and differentiation.
Reference:
- Regenerative medicine. Opportunities and challenges: a brief overview - (http://rsif.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/7/Suppl_6/S777.full)
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Dr. Reeja Tharu. (2011, September 19). Adult Stem Cells. Medindia. Retrieved on Jan 10, 2025 from https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/tissue-engineering-and-regenerative-medicine-adult-stem-cells.htm.
MLA
Dr. Reeja Tharu. "Adult Stem Cells". Medindia. Jan 10, 2025. <https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/tissue-engineering-and-regenerative-medicine-adult-stem-cells.htm>.
Chicago
Dr. Reeja Tharu. "Adult Stem Cells". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/tissue-engineering-and-regenerative-medicine-adult-stem-cells.htm. (accessed Jan 10, 2025).
Harvard
Dr. Reeja Tharu. 2011. Adult Stem Cells. Medindia, viewed Jan 10, 2025, https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/tissue-engineering-and-regenerative-medicine-adult-stem-cells.htm.