Comprehensive Report on Stem Cell Research: Biology, Types, and Future

This report provides an introduction to stem cell research, differentiating between stem cells and somatic cells, and explaining their unique properties of self-regeneration and potency. It describes the biology of stem cells, including the formation of blastocysts and the pluripotency of embryonic stem cells. The report contrasts different types of stem cells, including embryonic, non-embryonic, induced pluripotent, and cord blood stem cells, highlighting their sources and potential applications. It discusses the use of stem cells in treating spinal cord injuries and provides information from research studies, including a clinical trial for retinal damage and research on growing embryonic tissues. The report concludes by emphasizing the promising future of stem cell research in medical science and regenerative medicine.

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Stem Cell research
Introduction
In humans, two types of cell kind are found that stem cells and somatic cells. The stem
cells have the ability to differentiate into any other type of cell and renew themselves.
Whereas somatic cells have been differentiated into different types of cells which form
tissues with the same functions. Stem cells have developed from inner cells of the
blastocyst. Somatic cells are found in different tissues of the body which have
differentiated and cannot change their characteristics anymore.
Description of the biology of stem cells
A blastocyst is a formation found at day 4-5 after fertilisation has occurred. It forms the
embryo and attaches itself to the uterus wall. The inner cells of the blastocyst comprise
the embryonic stem cells. They have the pluripotency and as a result, can develop into
more than 200 typed of body cells. However, there is a misconception that stem cells
are found from the placenta. In research, these stem cells are made to grow under
different types of conditions, nutrient solution and can develop into different forms of
cells. Using this property of stem cells, they can be used to produce more specialized or
differentiated cells like nerve cells or heart cells when put under conducive conditions.
How these cells are unique from other cells
They have two properties which differ from other cells and are as follows:
1. Self-regeneration: step cells can undergrow numerous cell division cycles and
still remain undifferentiated. In this process, only their number and volume is
increased.
2. Potency: Depending on this factor, cells can be differentiated as totipotent and
pluripotent, multipotent, unipotent and oligopotent. Somatic cells do not have the
potency to differentiate into other forms. Totipotent cells can differentiate into
embryonic and extraembryonic cells. Pluripotent cells have slightly less potent
that totipotent cells. Multipotent cells can also be divided into cell types that are
closely related to themselves. Oligopotent stems cells are able to differentiate
into certain fixed cell types like lymph cells or myeloid cells. Unipotent cells, as
their name suggests can produce only one type of cells that is their own type
(Healthline, 2019).
Based on these properties these cells can be identified from one other. The tests
include clonogenic assays, where the cells are assessed for their potency and
regeneration.
Contrast the different types of stem cells
Embryonic stem cells: Belong to the embryo that is 4-5 days old and can be harvested
only during in-vitro fertilisation. These cells are the most potent and call give rise to any
type of cells.
Non-embryonic stem cell: Found in children and infants in their bone marrow and
other parts. They can repair damaged tissues, make red, white and other blood cells.

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Stem Cell research
Most numbers of surgeries have been conducted using these cell types known as
hematopoietic stem cells through bone marrow transplants.
Induced pluripotent stem cells: These types of cells are adult or non-embryonic stem
cells that can be developed to pluripotent cells through artificial treatment. They can
now develop into different types of body cells. This has provided researchers with an
understanding of diseases are developed in the body. Also, this knowledge that
provides the body with the knowledge to differentiate between its own cells and other
cells can be used to make the body accept transplanted organs. Also, researchers are
working on to develop somatic cells into induced stem cells.
Cord blood stem cells: some stem cells are found in the umbilical cord as well as in
the amniotic fluid. These cells can be frozen and used in future when the need arises.
Use of stems cells
The spinal cord is a bundle of nerve cells and as we know nerve cells or neurons lack
the ability to replicate. A person has to function with the number of nerve cells that they
are born with. As a result, any brain or spinal injury can prove to fatal or debilitating.
Researchers have shown that stems cells transplanted to the site of spinal cord injury
can replace the nerve cells that have dies, produce other supporting cells, can also
release protective toxins to protect other cells from necrosis.
Information from at least one research study or clinical trial
Research data show that the future of recovery and regeneration is promising as stem
cells are able to generate hair follicles as well as treat brain injuries. In the latest
research-based clinical trial, Anna Kuehl was treated with stem cells for her retina
damage (Eurostemcell, 2019). From a total eyesight loss, she has gained up to 90% of
her eyesight back. Another research initiative has found an intelligent way to combat the
concerns of stem cell regeneration by growing them in a fluidic device that is similar to
chips (Sciencedaily, 2019).
Conclusion
The future of medical science is bright as the possibility of using stem cells are endless.
In the following days, researchers are trying to grow the cells under different conditions
and see their impact on cell characteristics.

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Stem Cell research
References
Eurostemcell, (2019), Spinal cord injuries: how could stem cells help?, Retrieved from
https://www.eurostemcell.org/spinal-cord-injuries-how-could-stem-cells-help
Healthline, (2019), Stem Cell Research, Retrieved
from:https://www.healthline.com/health/stem-cell-research#types
Sciencedaily, (2019), Growing embryonic tissues on a chip, Retrieved from:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/06/190627114000.html