Open AccessNew perspectives in stem cell research: beyond embryonic stem cells
Author(s) -
Leeb C.,
Jurga M.,
McGuckin C.,
Forraz N.,
Thallinger C.,
Moriggl R.,
Kenner L.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
cell proliferation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.647
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1365-2184
pISSN - 0960-7722
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2184.2010.00725.x
Subject(s) - stem cell , embryonic stem cell , induced pluripotent stem cell , biology , regenerative medicine , adult stem cell , microbiology and biotechnology , neuroscience , genetics , gene
Although stem cell research is a rather new field in modern medicine, media soon popularized it. The reason for this hype lies in the potential of stem cells to drastically increase quality of life through repairing aging and diseased organs. Nevertheless, the essence of stem cell research is to understand how tissues are maintained during adult life. In this article, we summarize the various types of stem cells and their differentiation potential in vivo and in vitro . We review current clinical applications of stem cells and highlight problems encountered when going from animal studies to clinical practice. Furthermore, we describe the current state of induced pluripotent stem cell technology and applications for disease modelling and cell replacement therapy.