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Basics of Stem Cells

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Advances in Application of Stem Cells: From Bench to Clinics

Part of the book series: Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine ((STEMCELL,volume 69))

Abstract

Stem cells have been researched for over 100 years. It all started in 1908, when a histologist Alexander Maksimov coined the name stem cells. Many key scientists have noted the potential in researching stem cells in the following the years after. These cells have the ability to renew and differentiate themselves into a wide range of cell types. Stem cells have two classifications accordingly to their properties—pluripotent and multipotent. Pluripotent cells are able to differentiate into three germ layers while multipotent cells can differentiate into only a few limited types of cells. Hence, they are important to the repair, development, preservation and growth of many organs from the earliest stages of life. Stem cells are also obtained from many sources and found throughout the life cycle from embryos to adults. Research has also helped scientists understand stem cells in different species (animals and humans) for many years. Recognition of the value of the field has seen scientists awarded Nobel prizes on discoveries regarding stem cells. This chapter describes the basics of stem cells: their early discovery, structure, morphology, characteristics, differences, location, function, roles, sources and Nobel Prize research carried out.

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Abbreviations

ASCs:

Adult Stem Cells

ESC:

Embryonic Stem Cell

hESC:

Human Embryonic Stem Cell

iPSC:

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell

MSCs:

Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Leicester School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester, UK

    Dhvani H. Kuntawala & Glen J. P. McCann

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  1. Dhvani H. Kuntawala
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  2. Glen J. P. McCann
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Correspondence to Glen J. P. McCann .

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  1. Department of Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia

    Firdos Alam Khan

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Kuntawala, D.H., McCann, G.J.P. (2021). Basics of Stem Cells. In: Khan, F.A. (eds) Advances in Application of Stem Cells: From Bench to Clinics. Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, vol 69. Humana, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-78101-9_1

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