Stem Cell – ZERA GLOBAL

What is stem cell?

Body “MASTER” cells in human body.
Capable of SELF RENEWAL –> make more stem cells –> to replenish and repair tissue
Capable of DIFFERENTIATION –> different types of cells.

What are stem cells therapies?

The treatment of various disorders, non-serious to life threatening, by using stem cells.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) & Its Role in Stem Cell Therapy

Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC)

In year 2006, human MSCs are defined by the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) as below: –

Plastic adherent.
Possess specific surface markers (CD105+, CD73+, CD90+, CD45-, CD34-, CD14-, CD11b-, CD79a-, CD19- and HLA-DR-).
Capable of differentiating into: –
- osteoblasts (bone cells)
- adipocytes (fat cells)
- chondroblasts (cartilage)

Where can we find MSC?

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are multipotent stem cells that could differentiate into multiple lineages including osteogenic (bone cells), adipogenic (fat cells), chondrogenic (cartilage) and neurogenic (nerve cells).

The most common sources of MSC in the body are bone marrow, umbilical cord, adipose tissues, dental pulp, and peripheral blood.

Multipotency of MSC

MSCs vs Other Types of Stem Cells

Does not involve the ethical issues

Therapy/research involving MSC does not involve the ethical issues of embryonic stem cells since they can be sourced from the aforementioned tissues in an adult.

Less Immunogenic

MSC is less immunogenic which makes them a suitable candidate for allogeneic transplantation. This advantageous criteria of MSC lowered the risks of rejection (by the host’s immune system) and complications of transplantation.

Homing Ability

MSC also possesses the homing ability that could exert regenerative effects. Upon receiving ‘signals’, MSC can migrate to, and engraft in the tissue and followed by exerting their local and functional effects.