What are Stem Cells? Types, Uses & Sources of Stem Cells

Hey expectant parents! As you approach the final stretch of this beautiful pregnancy  journey, you’re likely busy preparing for your baby’s arrival. You’ve probably set up the nursery and  chosen the perfect wardrobe. While you’re finalizing your list of essentials, consider adding one more crucial item that could protect your baby and your entire family from over 90 diseases: stem cell banking.

You might have heard about stem cells—those incredible, versatile cells which are frequently featured in science blogs, news articles, and social media. But what exactly are these cells, and how can they accomplish such incredible feats? Are there different types, and where do they come from?To uncover the answers and understand how stem cells could be a game-changer for your family’s future health, dive into our latest blog. We’ll explore the basics, types, sources, and uses of stem cells, providing you with the knowledge you need for this important decision.

What Are Stem Cells?

Stem cells are unique, multipotent cells renowned for their remarkable ability to self-renew and differentiate into specialised cell types. The term stem cells was first coined by William Sedgwick in 1886, to define the “regenerative quality” of plants.¹  They are distributed throughout the body, including the bone marrow, where hematopoietic stem cells generate various blood cells. The unparalleled ability of stem cells to produce new cell types makes them essential for ongoing tissue repair and recovery from injuries. ² To better understand stem cells, let's explore how they are classified based on their source and potential.

Let’s take a look at the different categorization of stem cells in the following section:

Categorization Based On Sources Of Stem Cells

Depending on the sources of stem cells, they are divided into the following types of stem cells:

Embryonic stem cells

The first types of stem cells are Embryonic stem cells. Stem cells that are retrieved from human embryos are about 4-7 days old, post-fertilization. Naturally, these cells are pluripotent (have the ability to develop into any kind of cells and tissues). Embryonic stem cells are harvested via in-vitro fertilization, due to ethical reasons. ^{5, 6}

In addition to being pluripotent, these cells have other special properties, such as self-renewal, structural repair and growth, and rapid cell division. Clinical applications of embryonic stem cells (developed from iPSCs/ Adult stem cells) have shown therapeutic potential and are considered in the management of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. ^{7, 8}

Researchers have discovered a way wherein adult human cells could be reprogrammed to mimic the qualities of embryonic stem cells, in the form of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). ⁹

Fetal stem cells

These stem cells are extracted from a fetus and can be harvested from an embryo after the 8th week. Fetal stem cells may be taken from the fetal blood, bone marrow, or other fetal tissues such as liver and kidneys. ¹⁰

In comparison to adult stem cells, fetal stem cells are known to have better intrinsic engraftment, greater multipotency, and lower immunogenicity. ¹¹ 

Adult stem cells

Adult stem cells (ASCs) are pluripotent cells that can regenerate, replacing the damaged or dead tissue. They can be found in some of the body's differentiating tissues. ¹² ASCs' primary job in our bodies is to constantly repair, regenerate, and replace the cells that need to be replenished. Only 3 types of cells—neural cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and hematopoietic stem cells—can develop from adult stem cells.¹³ 

Umbilical cord blood stem cells

These stem cells are retrieved from the umbilical cord blood (and placenta) of a newborn. ¹⁴ Umbilical cord blood contains hematopoietic stem cells that is used to treat numerous genetic diseases, cancers, as well as inherited disorders. ¹⁵ 

Categorization Based On Differentiation Potential

So far, we’ve discussed the categorization based on different sources of stem cells. Now, let’s take a look at how stem cells are categorized based on their differentiation potential. 

Totipotent stem cells

Totipotent stem cells have the ability to differentiate into any cell. The zygote formed during egg fertilization is among its best examples, because, it can grow into any type of cell, including the placental cell. ³ The only totipotent stem cells in the human body are those formed by embryonic cells following the first couple of cell divisions. ¹⁶

Pluripotent stem cells

Embryonic stem cells are considered pluripotent because they can differentiate into any type of cell, with the exception of placental cells. Furthermore, pluripotent stem cells are produced in the initial stages of embryonic stem cell differentiation. However they can also be derived from the germ layers (a group of cells found in embryo during its development) ¹⁷ , which include the mesoderm, ectoderm, and endoderm.^{18, 6,19}

Multipotent stem cells

Multipotent stem cells are present in almost all the tissues. MSCs or Mesenchymal stem cells are the most common example of multipotent stem cells. These stem cells can be extracted from adipose tissue, bone marrow, peripheral blood and even umbilical cord blood. ²⁰

Uses Of Stem Cells

After learning about the various types of stem cells, you might be curious about their applications. Here  we’ve enumerated few uses of stem cells (some of which are still in initial research stage):

• Stem cell transplants: This procedure  involves extracting healthy stem cells from blood/ bone marrow of an individual and transplanting them into another person (or patient who requires healthy  stem cells).²¹ Stem cell transplants are beneficial for treating various cancerous and non-cancerous diseases, such as acute leukemia, multiple myeloma, neuroblastoma and lymphoma.²²
• Drug testing: iPSCs (induced pluripotent stem cells) are stem cells which are grown in labs. iPSCs have huge potential in various medical research fields and are actively used in drug testing.²³ For instance, researches have successfully generated liver cells, using stem cell technology to test the action of drugs on liver.
• Disease modeling: In order to comprehend the causes of a disease, scientists frequently develop a disease model. This entails creating a biological system (using iPSCs) in the laboratory that closely resembles the disease or exhibits similar disease processes.^26,27  
• Regenerative medicine:  It’s a process  which deals with “replacement of damaged tissue or organs.”²⁸ The application of stem cells in regenerative medicine could be seen in the treatment of conditions such as heart failure, tooth regeneration, and wound healing.²⁹

Stem Cells: Paving A Way For Treatment Options

• As we’ve learned so far, stem cells have the ability to renew, regenerate, and differentiate into other cells. Stem cells can recreate functional tissues, and can perform tissue specific functions as well. ⁹ However, stem cell transplants also play a pivotal role in helping treat multiple diseases. 
• Stem cell transplantation is the procedure wherein the damaged cells of the body are replaced with healthy ones. This treatment is beneficial against cancer (like lymphoma, leukemia, neuroblastoma); blood-related disorders (such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia) immune disorders, as well as metabolic disorders.³⁰ Stem cells extracted from both umbilical cord blood as well as adult bone marrow can be utilized in stem cell transplantations.³¹
• Regenerative medicine, or "stem cell therapy," is also a promising treatment option in trials for treating many ailments (such as strokes, burns, spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, osteoarthritis, etc).  In stem cell therapy, damaged or dysfunctional tissues can be repaired using stem cells. Researchers have already had some success treating the tissues of the heart with modified bone marrow stem cells (in animals). ²²

List Of Diseases Treated By Cord Blood Stem Cells

Given below is a table demonstrating all the diseases approved by FDA that could be treated by cord blood stem cells:

Ending Note!

Now you know the answer to 'What are stem cells?. But Did you know? The advances in modern medical science has made it possible for new parents to preserve the stem cells from their baby's umbilical cord blood? Yes, you heard us right. This advancement is called stem cell banking and it offers protection and care (from the potential diseases and disorders) of the newborn as well as the entire family (including siblings, biological parents, and maternal and paternal grandparents). 

Are you an expectant parent who wants to know more about the benefits of stem cell banking? Then all you have to do is give us a call @ 1800-266-5533!

If you wish to discover more fun facts about umbilical cord blood stem cells and the list of diseases treated by stem cells, do check out our “also read” section as well. Happy reading!

FAQs

Q1. What Exactly Are Stem Cells And How Do They Function?

Stem cells are unique cells in our bodies that can develop into different types of cells, like muscle or brain cells, and help repair damaged tissues. They continuously divide to replenish other cells and maintain our body's health.

Q2. Where Can You Find Stem Cells In The Human Body?

Stem cells are found in various parts of the human body, including bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, and the brain.

Q3. Is It Possible To Use My Own Stem Cells For Medical Treatment?

Yes! You can use your own stem cells, known as autologous stem cell therapy. This involves collecting stem cells from your own body. And then these cells are used to regenerate and repair damaged tissues, especially in treatments that affect the bone marrow and immune system.

Q4. Why Are Stem Cells Useful?

Stem cells are useful because they can develop into many different types of cells in the body. This versatility allows them to repair and regenerate damaged tissues, making them crucial for medical treatments and research.