Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello,

I am doing a research project on stem cells. I have found lots of information of how they are using embryonic stem cells for research, but not a lot of information on using de-differentiated adult stem cells. Has this capability been developed yet, or is it still being tested?

Thanks,
Jesse Neushul

Hello Jesse Neushul,

Much work has been and is being done on adult stem cells. For a start, look at http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/pages/basics4.aspx. For more information, search on several of the terms and phrases you find in that article.

Good luck, WW

Thanks,
I have decided to specialize my report on the differences between somatic and embryonic stem cells. In your opinion, which type of stem cell is more efficient and effective for use in regenerative medicine? Also, what is the number one problem facing regenerative medicine research today? And what source does Life Technologies use primarily for your research?

Thanks again,
Jesse Neushul

Hi Jesse,
There are both pros and cons to using somatic and embryonic stem cells for regenerating new tissues. Embryonic stem cells are able to differentiate into any type of tissue where somatic cells can't. Where research is headed is looking at how to make somatic stem cells "forget" that they are tissue specific so they can then be treated like an embryonic stem cell. These types of cells are call IPSCs or Induced Pluripotent Stem cells. If you google that term I'm sure a lot will come up as to what is being currently done in that field of research. Some cons for using embryonic stem cells for regenerative medicine is that you would be introducing cells from outside the body (vs cells taken from perhaps your skin) and that can introduce complications such as graft vs host disease. This is the disease that people who get organ transplants have to deal with where the body's immune system will reject the new tissue. IPSCs hope to eliminate that issue.

A big problem in stem cell research for many years was that embryonic stem cells could only be studied under very strict guidelines by the government. With the introduciton of IPSCs, stem cell research has taken off again however there is a lot unknown about how to reprogram a cell and whether if you do reprogram a cell, will it stay that way forever?

Life Technologies provides stem cell lines and growth media and protocols for stem cell researchers to buy so that they can conduct their research faster and with more consistency.

Hope this helps!
Katie

Thanks! That was exactly what I was looking for!