Title: Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine

Abstract:

Stem cells are a population of undifferentiated cells characterized by the ability to extensively proliferate (self-renewal), usually arise from a single cell (clonal), and differentiate into different types of cells and tissue (potent). There are several sources of stem cells with varying potencies. Pluripotent cells are embryonic stem cells derived from the inner cell mass of the embryo and induced pluripotent cells are formed following the reprogramming of somatic cells. Pluripotent cells can differentiate into tissue from all 3 germ layers (endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm). Multipotent stem cells may differentiate into tissue derived from a single germ layer such as mesenchymal stem cells which form adipose tissue, bone, and cartilage. Tissue-resident stem cells are oligopotent since they can form terminally differentiated cells of a specific tissue. Stem cells can be used in cellular therapy to replace damaged cells or to regenerate organs. In addition, stem cells have expanded our understanding of development as well as the pathogenesis of the disease. Disease-specific cell lines can also be propagated and used in drug development. Despite the significant advances in stem cell biology, issues such as ethical controversies with embryonic stem cells, tumor formation, and rejection limit their utility. However, many of these limitations are being bypassed and this could lead to major advances in the management of the disease. This review is an introduction to the world of stem cells and discusses their definition, origin, and classification, as well as applications of these cells in regenerative medicine.

Biography:

Sumaina Amin Completed BSc, in Biotechnology and Human Genetics from Doon College of paramedical science (Dehradoon), Central University. She Completed MSc in biotechnology and Human Genetics from Acharya College Bangalore University. She also did researches on swine flu from a Zoological Survey of India, Dehradun, Antibacterial property of lactic acid bacillus in probiotic milk, and Genomes from BARC Mumbai. She is Qualified in NET & JRF. She did Ph.D. in cancer oncology from stem cells at International University Bangalore, Bangalore. Currently with American Stress University as a research head guide and also working in Saudi Arabia as an Academic Dean.