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Stem cells are defined by self-renewal and potency, enabling them to both maintain their population and generate specialized cell types.
Stem cells are undifferentiated or partially differentiated cells found in multicellular organisms that can change into various specialized cell types and proliferate to produce more stem cells. They are the earliest cells in a lineage and are present in both embryonic and adult organisms, though their properties differ. In mammals, embryonic stem cells (from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst) can differentiate into nearly all body cell types (pluripotency) and, during development, contribute to the three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm). When isolated and cultured, embryonic stem cells can be maintained in a stem-cell state in vitro. A defining role of stem cells is tissue renewal and long-term maintenance. Adult stem cells reside in specific body locations called niches (such as bone marrow or gonads) and are typically multipotent or unipotent, meaning they generate a limited range of cell types needed to replenish rapidly lost cells. Classical stem-cell identity is based on two key properties: self-renewal (maintaining the undifferentiated state through repeated divisions) and potency (the ability to differentiate into specialized cells). Clinically, the most established stem-cell therapy is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, which has been used for decades to restore blood and immune systems, while other stem-cell approaches are still under research and development.
Stem cells are defined by self-renewal and potency, enabling them to both maintain their population and generate specialized cell types.
Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent and can form derivatives of the three germ layers, while adult stem cells act in niches to replenish specific tissues and are usually multipotent or unipotent.
The main established medical use of stem cells is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, with many other therapies still experimental.
The ability of a stem cell to undergo many cycles of cell division while maintaining its undifferentiated state.
A stem cell’s capacity to differentiate into specialized cell types, ranging from totipotent to unipotent.
Able to differentiate into nearly all cell types of the body, derived from the three germ layers (but not the placenta).
Able to differentiate into all embryonic and extraembryonic cell types, including the placenta.
A specialized microenvironment in the body where adult stem cells reside and are regulated.
A medical therapy that uses hematopoietic stem cells (often from bone marrow or umbilical cord blood) to reconstitute blood and immune cells.
Pluripotent stem cells derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst, capable of extensive differentiation in vitro and in vivo.
Mature cells reprogrammed to a pluripotent stem-cell state, enabling differentiation similar to embryonic stem cells.
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