Abstract
Stem cells carry the remarkable ability to differentiate into different cell types while retaining the capability to self-replicate and maintain the characteristics of their parent cells, referred to as potency. Stem cells have been studied extensively to better understand human development and organogenesis. Because of advances in stem cell-based therapies, regenerative medicine has seen significant growth. Ophthalmic conditions, some of which are leading causes of blindness worldwide, are being treated with stem cell therapies. Great results have also been obtained in the treatment of oral and maxillofacial defects. Stem-cell-based therapies have great potential in the treatment of chronic medical conditions like diabetes and cardiomyopathy. The unique property of stem cells to migrate towards cancer cells makes them excellent vectors for the transportation of bioactive agents or for targeting cancer cells, both primary and metastatic.While these therapeutic strategies are extremely promising, they are not without limitations. Failure to completely eradicate the tumor and tumor relapse are some of those concerns. Stem cells share some characteristics with cancer stem cells, raising concerns for increasing the risk of cancer occurrence. Ethical concerns due to the fetal origin of stem cells and cost are other major obstacles in the large-scale implementation of such therapies.
Highlights
BackgroundStems cells are characterized by their ability to differentiate into different cell types while retaining the capability to self-replicate and maintain the characteristics of the parent cells [1]
This study showed that Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) transplantation initiated endogenous pancreatic regeneration by neogenesis of islets and concluded that iPSC-based therapies can offer hope to patients with type 1 diabetes [13]
Human embryonic stem cells were isolated for the first time in 1998, from an embryo donated by a couple who no longer wished to use it for their infertility treatment
Summary
Stems cells are characterized by their ability to differentiate into different cell types while retaining the capability to self-replicate and maintain the characteristics of the parent cells [1]. Initial studies showed that treatment with bone marrow-derived MSCs genetically engineered to secrete IFN-β caused them to incorporate into malignant tissue, while locally secreting IFNβ and inhibiting tumor growth in a human melanoma mouse xenotransplantation model. This significant effect is not attainable through the systemic administration of IFN-β. Post-transplantation in the stroke mouse model, behavioral improvement and significantly increased cell survival were seen [31] Another molecule is angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), known for its role in promoting angiogenesis in brain tissue. The introduction of the oncolytic virus (OV)-loaded NSCs increased the tumor cells’ radiosensitivity and resulted in a 30% increase in survival in a glioma xenograft model [37]
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