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Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 18e
| Part 4. Regenerative Medicine > |
Chapter 65. Stem Cell Biology
Sections: Stem Cell Biology: Introduction, Further Readings.
Topics Discussed: stem cells.
Excerpt:"Stem cell biology is a rapidly expanding field that explores the characteristics and possible clinical applications of a variety of stem cells that serve as the progenitors of more differentiated cell types. In addition to potential therapeutic applications (Chap. 67), patient-derived stem cells can also be used as disease models and a means to test drug effectiveness. Stem cells and their niche are becoming a major focus of medical research because they play central roles in tissue and organ homeostasis and repair, which are important aspects of aging and disease.The definition of stem cells remains elusive. Stem cells were originally postulated as unspecified or undifferentiated cells that provide a source of renewal of skin, intestine, and blood cells throughout life. These resident stem cells have been identified in a variety of organs (e.g., epithelia of the skin and digestive system, bone marrow, blood vessels, brain, skeletal muscle, liver, testis, and pancreas) based on their specific locations, morphology, and biochemical markers.The most widely accepted stem cell definition is a cell with a unique capacity to produce unaltered daughter cells (self-renewal) and to generate specialized cell types (potency)...."
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