The Importance of Stem Cells and Bioengineering in Regenerative Medicine

Abstract

The field of regenerative medicine is focused on the creation of functional human tissue to either model, repair or replace the damaged body part. This provides promise that in the future scientists will be able to bioengineer human tissue in vitro [1,2] that may allow the identification of novel medicines and has the potential for cell based therapies. If successful, such approaches could have a significant impact on the problem donor organ shortage for transplantation and improve patient treatment and medication. The liver is a fascinating organ, performing many processes necessary for life. In addition to its broad functional repertoire, the liver is the only human organ capable of large scale regeneration. Only 20-30% of healthy liver mass is required liver regeneration. The primary regenerative response of the liver is provided by its principal cell type, the hepatocyte. However when the liver is overloaded or chronically damaged, the hepatocyte response is inhibited, prompting the activation of a resident stem cell population. In both cases, acute and chronic liver injury may result in irreparable loss of human liver function marking the onset of liver disease. Presently the only real treatment strategy for critically failing liver function is organ transplantation. While highly successful, the shortage of donor organs limits its widespread implementation. The generation of liver tissue from a renewable resource therefore holds great promise for the development of extra-corporeal liver support devices and transplantation procedures.