The cell is the functional and structural unit of life. All higher forms of life are also formed through the multiplication and differentiation of cells. Stem cells differ from the other cells as they can multiply endlessly. They can also change their form and differentiate, to generate the most specialized cells, like the blood cells and the neural cells. Stem cell research and therapy focus on these unique renewal as well as differentiation properties of the cell so that they can be used for treating a number of medical conditions and diseases that are considered to be deadly.
The different kinds of stem cells being researched upon for therapeutic benefits. There are many different kinds of stem cells, found in living beings (including humans).
These include:
Totipotent Stem Cells
These cells divide to form any kind of organ. One single totipotent cell can also form the whole living being. These cells are being studied for their use to treat cancer, infertility, and other disorders.
Pluripotent Stem Cells
These cells can differentiate into any of the 3 germ layers of the body, including the mesoderm, ectoderm, and endoderm.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells
These cells are today widely used for proving treatment to patients who suffer from neurological disorders (including Dementia and Autism), muscular disorders (such as Muscular Dystrophy), Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, and other medical conditions. The mesenchymal stem cells are often derived from the bone marrow of the patient itself, and leading health care institutes like NGBSI (NeuroGen Brain and Spine Institute), located at Mumbai, offer world-class treatment through the cells.
Stem Cell Research
Stem cell research and therapy focus on how an organism can develop from one single cell, and how the replacement of healthy cells can repair the damaged and the dead cells lying within the living organisms. The circumstances under which stem cells do not specialize are also quite important. Knowledge relating to the issues helps the scientists to know how to maintain the required amount of stem cells in the lab, in a way that the cells do not spontaneously form the specialized cells.
Stem Cell Research and Therapy Benefits
Stem cell research and therapy have proved beneficial for patients who suffer from a range of diseases. Stem cells divide to form the neural cells, including the glial cells, oligodendrocytes, and other cells. These cells help in the restoration of normal brain activity within the patients who suffer from neurological disorders. Stem cell transplantation also delivers the muscle proteins and is helpful in treating muscular diseases such as Muscular Dystrophy. Stem cells are also being researched to treat a number of other illnesses, including cancer, infertility, tooth loss, and alopecia, amongst others.
