Genetic Engineering in Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine
Genetic engineering significantly enhances the potential of stem cells in regenerative medicine, facilitating advancements in tissue repair and disease modeling. Stem cells, including embryonic, induced pluripotent, and adult stem cells, serve as crucial tools in research and therapeutic applications. The integration of genetic tools allows for precise manipulation and improvement of stem cell functions, while ethical considerations continue to shape the landscape of research and application in this field.
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What we have learnt
- Different types of stem cells include embryonic, induced pluripotent, and adult stem cells, each with unique characteristics.
- Genetic engineering techniques like CRISPR, transcription factor reprogramming, and viral vectors are pivotal to enhancing stem cell capabilities.
- Regenerative medicine applications span various fields, including neurology, cardiology, and orthopedics, utilizing stem cells for effective tissue repair and regeneration.
Key Concepts
- -- Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs)
- Pluripotent stem cells derived from blastocysts that can differentiate into any cell type in the body.
- -- Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)
- Adult cells reprogrammed to an embryonic-like state, capable of differentiating into various cell types, helping to overcome ethical issues associated with ESCs.
- -- CRISPR/Cas9
- A revolutionary genetic editing tool that allows for precise alterations in DNA, enabling corrections of mutations in cells.
- -- Tumorigenicity
- The potential of stem cells to form tumors post-transplantation, which poses safety concerns in regenerative therapies.
- -- Ethical Oversight
- Regulatory framework needed to address moral concerns in stem cell research, especially surrounding the use of embryonic cells.
Additional Learning Materials
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