The Leading Edge of Stem Cell Therapeutics

Abstract

Stem cells, by virtue of their defining property of self-renewal, represent an unlimited source of potentially functional human cells for basic research and regenerative medicine. Having validated the feasibility of cell-based therapeutic strategies over the past decade, mostly through the use of rodent cells, the stem cell field has now embarked upon a detailed characterization of human cells. Recent progress has included improved cell culture conditions, long-term propagation, directed differentiation, and transplantation of both human embryonic and somatic stem cells. Continued progress in understanding basic human stem cell biology, combined with a better handle on the fundamental pathophysiology of human diseases one wishes to target (including the use of human stem cells in primate and other large animal models of human disease), should help to move this technology closer to clinical application.

Stretching the limits: Stem cells in regeneration science

“…Although these cells start to express markers for striatal medium-sized spiny neurons (the phenotype most severely affected by the insult), and some survive for over 1 year (Chen et al, 2004), the majority of them die within a few weeks (Arvidsson et al, 2002). Intense effort has been put into developing NSC-based therapies for spinal cord injury and neurodegenerative disease (Singec et al, 2007). Allogeneic NSCs transplanted to spinal cord lesions have been reported to promote partial recovery from paralysis.…”

The Lamina Propria of Adult Human Oral Mucosa Harbors a Novel Stem Cell Population

“…Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are pluripotent and endowed with therapeutic potential [1,2]. A myriad of multipotent stem cells (SC) populations have been isolated from adult tissues and characterized in vitro [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] and in vivo [11][12][13][14].…”

Computational Analysis: A Bridge to Translational Stroke Treatment

“…We have applied computational approaches to identify neural stem cells (NSCs) implanted following rodent neonatal hypoxia ischemia. NSCs inhibit scar formation, diminish infl ammation, promote angiogenesis, provide neurotrophic and neuroprotective support, and stimulate host regenerative processes [ 2,69 ] . Behavioral and anatomical improvements (lesion volume reduction) after NSC implantation in ischemic brain have been reported [ 70 ] and immunohistochemical data have shown that NSCs integrate into injured tissues and develop functionally active connections [ 70 ] .…”