What is a Stem Cell?

Stem cells are special cells with the potential to transform into all cell types in the body and the ability to self-renew.

There are two main features that distinguish stem cells from other cells:

Proliferation (ability to divide and multiply) and regeneration (self-renewal)

Homing (migration) and differentiation (transformation)

Stem cells play a role in the regeneration of all tissues and organs that are diseased or damaged. By transforming into the required cell type, they repair organ and tissue damage or loss caused by disease, injury, or other reasons.

Stem cells hold great potential in the field of regenerative medicine.

MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS (MSCs):

Mesenchymal stem cells have the ability to differentiate into tissue-specific cells such as bone, cartilage, muscle, and fat cells, as well as the ability to self-renew, making them highly valuable for regenerative medicine.

They regulate tissue development, maintenance, and repair.

They are useful in regenerative treatments of the musculoskeletal system to treat age-related orthopedic degenerative diseases and other clinical conditions.

MSCs are an ideal cell source for tissue regeneration due to their remarkable properties. They can be obtained from various sources, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord blood.

Their immunological properties—including anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and immunosuppressive capacities—contribute to their potential roles as immune-tolerant agents.

Mesenchymal stem cells can differentiate into a wide range of tissues and organs such as skin, bone, nerve, heart, muscle, and cartilage.

HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELLS:

Hematopoietic stem cells, found in the bone marrow, produce all blood cells (erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets). They can self-renew (generate new stem cells) and differentiate (transform into mature blood cells such as erythrocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes).

Hematopoietic stem cells sustain blood cell production throughout life.