Abstract

Stem cells are unique undifferentiated cells that have the potential for self-renewal activity while also possessing the ability to differentiate into multiple-lineages. They are categorized into embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and adult stem cells (ASCs), which include hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and non-hematopoietic stem cells (e.g. mesenchymal stem cells, or MSCs). ESCs that are reintroduced into blastocysts can participate in the development of all organs and tissues in the adult animal, confirming their intrinsic potency [1]. This demonstrated plasticity has made ESCs the benchmark against which stem cell potency is measured. Although ESCs have great potential, problems related to ethics, politics, and safety remain challenges to their future applications in regenerative medicine. Recently, there has been an explosion in the number of adult stem cells that have been isolated and characterized [2]. Every tissue or organ apparently contains a stem cell population; therefore, stem cells can be easily harvested, and stem cells with low immuHanyang Med Rev 2015;35:207-214 http://dx.doi.org/10.7599/hmr.2015.35.4.207

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