Stem cells are amazing. We all start from embryonic stem cells that have the ability to divide and become new stem cells many times over. Stem cells can also become specialized cells in others parts of our body, such as the heart or pancreas. One of the primary areas of study is to understand how stem cells stay the way they are – “unspecialized and self renewing for many years.”
Scientists at Princeton University recently found 10 genes that contribute to stem cells’ unique characteristics. Using short hairpin RNA (shRNA), they were able to turn on and off specific genes within mice embryonic stem cells. When they turned off seven of the 10 genes, the stem cells lost their ability to become anything they want to be.
The National Institutes of Health has an extensive resource on the controversial subject of stem cell research. Here’s one of the frequently asked questions concerning stem cells.
Why are doctors and scientists so excited about human embryonic stem cells?
Stem cells have potential in many different areas of health and medical research. To start with, studying stem cells will help us to understand how they transform into the dazzling array of specialized cells that make us what we are. Some of the most serious medical conditions, such as cancer and birth defects, are due to problems that occur somewhere in this process. A better understanding of normal cell development will allow us to understand and perhaps correct the errors that cause these medical conditions.
Another potential application of stem cells is making cells and tissues for medical therapies. Today, donated organs and tissues are often used to replace those that are diseased or destroyed. Unfortunately, the number of people needing a transplant far exceeds the number of organs available for transplantation. Pluripotent stem cells offer the possibility of a renewable source of replacement cells and tissues to treat a myriad of diseases, conditions, and disabilities including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Scientific American, June 12, 2006
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