2. Stem cells are defined by two properties. First, they can ‘self-renew,’ that is they can divide and give rise to more stem cells of the same kind. Second, they can mature or ‘differentiate’ into specialized cells that carry out a specific function, such as in the skin, muscle, or blood. There are many different types of stem cells. These include embryonic stem cells that exist only at the earliest stages of development; and various types of ‘tissue-specific’ stem cells (sometimes referred to as ‘adult’ or ‘somatic’ stem cells) that are found in various tissues in our bodies. Recently, cells with properties similar to embryonic stem cells, referred to as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells), have been engineered from specialized cells such as skin cells. What are stem cells?
3. Many adult tissues contain stem cells that can replace cells that die or restore tissue after injury. Skin, muscle, intestine and bone marrow, for example, each contain their own stem cells. In the bone marrow, billions of new blood cells are made every day from blood- forming stem cells. Adult stem cells are tissue-specific, meaning they are found in a given tissue in our bodies and generate the mature cell types within that particular tissue or organ. It is not clear whether all organs, such as the heart, contain stem cells. The term ‘adult stem cells’ is often used very broadly and may include fetal and cord blood stem cells. Another type of adult stem cell is the mesenchymal stem cell. These are found in a number of tissues, including bone marrow, and may be able to produce bone, cartilage and fat. It is also possible that these or similar cells may aid in the regeneration of tissues. Extensive animal studies are currently ongoing to determine if these cells may be used for treatment of diseases such as arthritis and non-healing bone fractures. It is also possible that these or similar cells modulate the immune system in response to injury. . Adult Stem Cells or Tissue-specific Stem Cells
4. As their name suggests, fetal stem cells are taken from the fetus. Most tissues in a fetus contain stem cells that drive the rapid growth and development of the organs. Like adult stem cells, fetal stem cells are generally tissue-specific, and generate the mature cell types within the particular tissue or organ in which they are found. Fetal Stem Cells
5. At birth the blood in the umbilical cord is rich in blood-forming stem cells. The applications of cord blood are similar to those of adult bone marrow and are currently used to treat diseases and conditions of the blood or to restore the blood system after treatment for specific cancers. Like the stem cells in adult bone marrow, cord blood stem cells are tissue-specific. Cord Blood Stem Cells
6. Embryonic stem cells are derived from very early embryos and can in theory give rise to all cell types in the body. Embryonic stem cells carry the risk of transforming into cancerous tissue after transplantation. To be used in cell transplant treatments the cells will most likely need to be directed into a more mature cell type, both to be therapeutically effective and to minimize risk that cancers develop. While these cells are already helping us better understand diseases and hold enormous promise for future therapies, there are currently no treatments using embryonic stem cells accepted by the medical community. Embryonic Stem Cells
7. In 2006, scientists discovered how to “reprogram” cells with a specialized function (for example, skin cells) in the laboratory, so that they behave like an embryonic stem cell. These cells, called induced pluripotent cells or iPS cells, are created by inducing the specialized cells to express genes that are normally made in embryonic stem cells and that control how the cell functions. Embryonic stem cells and iPS cells share many characteristics, including the ability become the cells of all organs and tissues, but they are not identical and can sometimes behave slightly differently. IPS cells are a powerful method for creating patient- and disease-specific cell lines for research. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPS cells)
8. The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR; www.isscr.org) is an independent, nonprofit organization established to promote/foster the exchange and dissemination of information/ideas relating to stem cells, to encourage the general field of research involving stem cells and to promote professional and public education in all areas of stem cell research and application. Members are admitted on the basis of their professional credentials as scientists or clinicians working in the field of stem cell research. About the International Society for Stem Cell Research
9. The ISSCR is committed to ensuring that the promise of stem cell research is delivered to patients in a safe, effective and fair manner. In 2008, the ISSCR released “Guidelines for the Clinical Translation of Stem Cells” that call for rigorous standards in the development of stem cell therapies and outlining what needs to be accomplished to move stem cells from promising research to proven treatments. The ISSCR and Stem Cell treatments
10. The process used to turn scientific knowledge into real world medical treatments is called clinical translation.Before being marketed or adopted as standard of care, most medicines are tested through clinical trials. Usually clinical trials start with a small number of people to test safety. As the procedures are perfected and the risks evaluated, the number of participants is gradually increased and the effectiveness of the treatment is more closely examined. Once safety and effectiveness have been established, a regulatory agency such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may approve the treatment for particular diseases or conditions.Not all development takes place in clinical trials. Sometimes, in attempting new surgical techniques or where the disease or condition is rare and does not have a large enough group of people to form a clinical trial, certain treatments might be tried on one or two people. This form of testing is sometimes referred to as innovative medicine.Whether through a formal clinical trial or a single attempt to treat just one person, there should be a number of checks in place to protect the rights of patients and show that the treatment will possibly prove beneficial. How science becomes medicine
11. 1. There are different types of stem cells—each with their own purpose. 2. A single stem cell treatment will not work on a multitude of unrelated diseases or conditions. 3. Currently, there are very few widely accepted stem cell therapies. 4. Just because people say stem cells helped them doesn’t mean they did. Top 10 List
12. 5. A large part of why it takes time to develop new therapies is that science itself is a long and difficult process. 6. To be used in treatments, stem cells will have to be instructed to behave in specific ways. 7. Just because stem cells came from your body doesn’t mean they are safe. 8. There is something to lose by trying an unproven treatment. Con’t
13. 9. An experimental treatment offered for sale is not the same as a clinical trial. 10. Stem cell science is constantly moving forward. Con’t
