BioProtocols--Topic1

Stem Cell Research and Related Protocols

What are stem cells?

Stem cells are cells that have the ability to renew by their own through mitosis and can differentiate into many different specialized cells. Embyronic stem cells are derived from blastocysts,adult stem cells are found in adult tissues, and cord blood stem cells can be isolated from the umbilical cord following birth. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are bone marrow non-haematopoietic stem cells that are multipotent and can differentiate into bone, cartilage and connective tissue cells. In the embryo, embryonic stem cells are essential for development, acting as the precursor to all specialized embryonic tissues. In adults, stem cells and progenitor cells aid in tissue repair. Stem cells will play an important role in medical treatments because they can be readily grown and induced to differentiate into any cell types in culture.

Background knowledge of stem cell research (from NIH)

1. Introduction

2. What are the unique properties of all stem cells?

3. What are embryonic stem cells?

4. What are adult stem cells?

5. What are the similarities and differences between embryonic and adult stem cells?

6. What are the potential uses of human stem cells and the obstacles that must be overcome before these potential uses will be realized?

7. Where can I get more information?

International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR)

Protocols

Culture of Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESC)
Establishment and characterization of human embryonic stem cell line
Feeder Free Culture of Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Rat stem cell isolation and culture
Mouse stem cell isolation and culture
Induction of Stem Cell Differentiation
Cancer stem cells
Video Data on Stem Cell Research (click to show)

Stem Cell Biology Protocols

Stem Cell Research Techniques and Protocols