Research Summary
Since the discovery of multipotent stem cells by Till and McCulloch in 1961, further elucidation of stem cells’ functions has identified them as key players in both facilitating the development of new cells and maintaining homeostasis of current normal cells. Stem cell activity is typically stimulated by the onset of tissue dysfunction. Several applications using these functions have already been implemented in medicine, including the reestablishment of the hematopoietic lineage via bone marrow transplantation, the development of stem cell-based therapy for type 1 diabetes and retinitis pigmentosa, and advancements in the cure for spinal cord injury.
One important application of stem cell biology is its role in aging and age-related dysfunctions. During aging, DNA accumulates damage, impairing protein homeostasis, cell function, communication, and overall organ physiology. Another key hallmark of aging is the exhaustion or dysregulation of the endogenous stem cell population, which is critical for maintaining tissue homeostasis and repairing injured tissues. Because aging is closely tied to stem cell integrity, one of the major goals of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine is how to use these cells to reverse aging and its associated dysfunctions.
Stem cells are undifferentiated or partially differentiated cells that are capable of dividing and generating both differentiated and proliferative cells. Stem cells range from pluripotent cells found in the inner cell mass of pre-implantation blastocysts or isolated from other sources, to unipotent progenitors such as those derived from fetal tissues, birth-associated tissues, or adult tissues. Significant advances have been made in applying the unique traits of various stem cell types.
Keywords: Stem cells, Homeostasis, Dysregulation, Basal cells
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