15 Stem Cell Jargons You Need to Know
When researching and reading about the wonders of stem cells, we come across many articles, news reports and websites talking about research, therapies, therapeutics and more. But what do these words mean? Let’s take a look at some of the terms you might need to know when trying to understand stem cells. Use it as a reference at any time. Don’t worry, it’s in alphabetical order for your convenience!
1. Allogenic
Allogenic refers to obtaining samples from a compatible donor. For example, stem cells taken from a donor and transplanted into a patient is known as an allogenic stem cell transplant.
2. Autologous
Autologous refers to obtaining samples from the same individual as the recipient. For example, stem cells taken from a patient is cultured and transplanted back into the patient is known as an autologous stem cell transplant.
3. Cryopreservation
Cryopreservation refers to the process of preserving cells, tissue or any other biological constructs through cooling to very low temperatures.
4. Culture
Culturing stem cells refers to the process of removing cells from an organism and growing them in an artificial environment.
5. Differentiation
Differentiation refers to the process of development through which an unspecialised cell acquires new characteristics that allow it to perform specialised functions.
6. Embryonic Stem Cells
Embryonic Stem Cells are undifferentiated cells found in the inner cell mass of the blastocyst. Carrying the potential to multiply and differentiate to all cell types, embryonic stem cells can fully form an organism and undergo self-renewal.
7. Differentiation
Differentiation refers to the process of development through which an unspecialised cell acquires new characteristics that allow it to perform specialised functions.
8. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) are adult stem cells that have been processed to revert to an embryonic-like state. These cells are pluripotent and carry the ability to self-renew.
9. Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells that may differentiate into various organ and connective tissue cells such as cartilage, bone, muscle and nerve tissue. They are found in many places in the body including adipose (fat) tissue and cord blood.
10. Multipotent Stem Cells
Multipotent stem cells are stem cells that carry the potential to differentiate into multiple cell types. However, they are only able to differentiate into the cell types within a specific tissue, organ or physiological system. For example, Haematopoietic stem cells can only differentiate into all the different blood cells such as red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
11. Pluripotent Stem Cells
Pluripotent stem cells are stem cells that carry the potential to differentiate into multiple cell types. Haematopoietic stem cells are pluripotent, they can differentiate into different blood cells. Mesenchymal stem cells are also pluripotent. They can differentiate into various organ and connective tissue cells.
12. Progenitor Cells
Progenitor cells are cells that give rise to a specific differentiated cell type. Progenitor cells carry a limited ability for self-renewal.
13. Somatic Stem Cells
Somatic stem cells or Adult stem cells are precursor cells that can multiply and differentiate into various cell types. These cells are found in many tissues such as bone marrow, brain, retina, skin, intestines, liver, testis and the pancreas.
14. Stem Cells
Stem cells is the general term for undifferentiated cells that carry the ability to differentiate into various specialised cell types. They act the body’s natural repair system. For example, the top layer of the skin is constantly dying and shedding. Stem cells multiply and become skin cells to replace the dead/damaged skin cells. They can also be found in embryos (See: Embryonic Stem Cells).
14. Totipotent Stem Cells
Totipotent stem cells are stem cells that can differentiate into all cell types. Embryonic stem cells are totipotent.
Now you’re ready to understand all the articles, news reports and websites discussing stem cells! Are there more terms you don’t understand? Feel free to reach out and contact us. Our friendly consultants are always happy to provide you with more information!
References
- Boston Children’s Hospital. (2015). Glossary. Retrieved from Boston Children’s Hospital: http://stemcell.childrenshospital.org/about-stem-cells/glossary/#ips
- Boston Children’s Hospital. (2015). Glossary. Retrieved from Boston Children’s Hospital: http://stemcell.childrenshospital.org/about-stem-cells/glossary/#ips
- Boston Children’s Hospital. (2015). Pluripotent Stem Cells 101. Retrieved from Boston Children’s Hospital: http://stemcell.childrenshospital.org/about-stem-cells/pluripotent-stem-cells-101/
- International Society for Stem Cell Research. (2015). Stem Cell Glossary. Retrieved from A Closer Look At Stem Cells: http://www.closerlookatstemcells.org/patient-resources/stem-cell-glossary#somaticstemcells
- Jang, T., Park, S., Yang, J., Kim, J., Seok, J., Park, U., . . . Han, J. (2017, March). Cryopreservation and its clinical applications. Integrative Medicine Research, 6(1), 12-18. doi:10.1016/j.imr.2016.12.001
- Let’s Talk Science. (2011). Stem Cells – Glossary. Retrieved from Explore Curiocity: http://www.explorecuriocity.org/Portals/2/Themes/Stem%20Cell%20Glossary%20-%20Final.pdf
- Merck KGaA. (2017). Stem Cell Biomanufacturing – Glossary. Retrieved from Merck: https://www.merckmillipore.com/SG/en/stem-cell-biomanufacturing/glossary-of-stem-cell-related-terms/iq2b.qB.E.YAAAFCIaMIQgsK,nav?ReferrerURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com.sg%2F&bd=1
- Rowland, T. (2009). Visual Stem Cell Glossary. Retrieved from All Things Stem Cell: http://www.allthingsstemcell.com/glossary/#somaticcells
- The Free Dictionary by Farlex. (2017). Medical Dictionary. Retrieved from The Free Dictionary by Farlex: http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Somatic+Stem+Cell
- The MNT Editorial Team. (2013, July 19). What are Stem Cells? Retrieved from Medical News Today: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/stem_cell
- Thermo Fisher Scientific. (2016, May 23). Introduction to Cell Culture. Retrieved from Thermo FIsher Scientific: https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/references/gibco-cell-culture-basics/introduction-to-cell-culture.html
