Abstract
A stem cell is an extraordinary type of cell that has the ability to
self-renew for long periods of time and to differentiate into specialized
cells under appropriate physiological or experimental conditions.
Traditionally, stem cells have been classified as either embryonic, adult
(tissue-specific or cord blood) stem cells. Recent understanding of stem cell
biology may provide new approaches for the treatment of a number of diseases
as well as tissue/organ injuries, including cardiovascular disease,
neurological disease, musculoskeletal disease, diabetes and hematopoietic
disorders. Stem cell fate is determined by both intrinsic regulators and the
extra-cellular environment (niche), and their expansion and differentiation ex
vivo are generally controlled by growing them in a specific configuration
(monolayer or three-dimensional culture). This process, which is vital to
enable stem cells to be used for therapeutic purposes, is called
differentiation. Differentiation is a process involving unspecialized cells
progressing to become specialized cells with restricted developmental
potential. The purpose of this TriMark Publications report is to describe the
specific market segments of the medical research space using stem cells for
research and development (R&D) purposes. This study reviews all of the
generally accepted analytical methods that are currently in use today for
preparing and using stem cells. It examines the use of stem cells in
developing new therapies for disease.
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