多能干细胞和表皮细胞

细胞储存的科学原理 2023年05月20日 19:20 91 im

Introduction

Cells are the building blocks of life. They are the foundation upon which all living organisms, including us humans, are constructed. However, not all cells are equal in their capabilities and potential. Some cells have a unique ability to develop into any type of cell in the human body. These are called pluripotent or embryonic stem cells. On the other hand, the majority of cells in our body are specialized and can only perform specific functions. These are known as somatic or adult cells. In this article, we will explore two types of cells: pluripotent or embryonic stem cells, and adult or somatic cells with a particular focus on skin cells.

Pluripotent Stem Cells

Pluripotent stem cells are cells that have the potential to differentiate themselves into any type of cell in the human body. Scientists are particularly interested in these cells because of their potential to generate new tissues for replacement of damaged or diseased tissue. For instance, pluripotent stem cells can create new heart muscle cells, pancreatic cells, blood cells, or neurons. Pluripotent stem cells originate from developing embryos, usually in the first few days of a fertilized eggs life. The embryos are leftover after fertilization treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF). Pluripotent stem cells can grow and multiply indefinitely in a laboratory, making it possible to produce the large numbers of cells required for medical research and therapies.

Adult or Somatic Cells

Somatic cells are typical cells found within an organism that make up all of its organs and tissues. Adult or somatic cells are specialized cells that have already differentiated into specific cell types to carry out specific functions within the body. These cells cannot differentiate into other cell types. One type of adult cells is skin cells, which constitute our largest organ, the skin. Skin cells or keratinocytes compose 90% of the skins epidermis layer. They are vital for maintaining the integrity of the skin as well as a barrier between the body and the external environment. Additionally, skin cells play an essential role in wound healing by migrating to wounded areas, where they rapidly divide to cover the defect and prevent infection.

Research on Pluripotent Stem Cells vs. Skin Cells

Pluripotent stem cells are considered more useful in some areas of research than skin cells because they can produce any cell type. Research involving pluripotent stem cells has led to significant advances in regenerative medicine, including growing new tissues and organs for transplant and developing new drugs. Scientists have already generated several human tissues from pluripotent stem cells, such as heart muscle, liver cells, kidney cells, and pancreatic cells. However, research involving somatic cells, like skin cells, can also be useful in regenerative medicine. One approach scientists use is called reprograming or inducing pluripotency in skin cells. They can take skin cells and force them to return to a pluripotent state. These pluripotent skin cells can then differentiate into other cell types and be used for regenerative medicine. Furthermore, using cells derived from the patient, such as skin cells, reduces any risk of rejection, making it a promising approach to personalized treatment. Additionally, using adult cells like skin cells avoids ethical concerns with using pluripotent stem cells from embryos.

Conclusion

Stem cells have exciting potential for medical research and therapies. Pluripotent stem cells can produce any cell type, making them particularly useful for regenerative medicine. Meanwhile, adult cells like skin cells may have limitations, but researchers can coax them into pluripotent cells, expanding their usefulness. As researchers continue to explore the full potential of both pluripotent cells and somatic cells, we could see significant advances in regenerative medicine and personalized treatment.