subject: Stem Cell Research [print this page] More money is being put into the stem cell research. It has been shown at GMU, my college, that there are actually different protocols to approach the manner. Stem Cells are very simple in reproduction, so the genes are easily altered. The fact that they may be able to restore skin is very shocking, yet may be true.
The practical definition of a stem cell is the functional definition - a cell that has the potential to regenerate tissue over a lifetime. For example, the gold standard test for a bone marrow or hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) is the ability to transplant one cell and save an individual without HSCs. In this case, a stem cell must be able to produce new blood cells and immune cells over a long term, demonstrating potency. It should also be possible to isolate stem cells from the transplanted individual, which can themselves be transplanted into another individual without HSCs, demonstrating that the stem cell was able to self-renew.
It is true though, that genetic alterations in human cells may lead to increasing problems, but the risk may have to be taken in order to preserve the human race for centuries to come. Technology may also advance that automatically controls the reproduction and genetic makeup of this species.
Multipotent stem cells are also found in amniotic fluid. These stem cells are very active, expand extensively without feeders and are not tumorigenic. Amniotic fluid cellsare multipotent and can differentiate in cells of adipogenic, osteogenic, myogenic, endothelial, hepatic and also neuronal lines.
