Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine

The Use of Embryonic and Somatic Stem Cells in Retinal, Nervous, and Cardiac Tissue Regeneration and Repair

I. Introduction

II. Stem Cell Types and Cell Differentiation

A. Stem Cell Types

1. Somatic

2. Embryonic

3. Induced Pluripotent

B. Cellular Differentiation

III. Applications/Methods

A. Cell Culture Methods

B. Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer

C. Retinal Tissue Regeneration

1. Methods

2. Clinical Applications

3. Potentials and Limitations

D. Nervous Tissue Regeneration

1. Methods

2. Clinical Applications

3. Potentials and Limitations

E. Cardiac Tissue Regeneration

1. Methods

2. Clinical Applications

3. Potentials and Limitations

IV. Conclusion

V. References

INTRODUCTION

In recent years, the use of embryonic and somatic stem cells has gained increasing attention on the field of regenerative medicine. Research is focused on directing the potential for differentiation of these cells to the engineering, repair, or replacement of damaged tissues and on a larger scale, treatment for diseases.

Although research in stem cells and their potential applications to regenerative medicine have been extensive and growing over the past decade, EuroStemCell reports that clinical applications are limited due to constrictions in research, culturing, preservation, induction for differentiation and even ethical issues. Embryonic stem cells (ESC), as of 2012, have only begun their first clinical trials for treating eye disorders. Somatic stem cells, despite being less potent than ESC’s, have been used for years for skin grafts, bone marrow transplants, and the treatment of leukemia in children (Cox, 2012).

On the other hand, research involving animals show significant potential for the regenerative capacities of stem cells. Shake, et.al (2002) reported reduced wall thinning and muscle growth in infarcted swine myocardium two weeks after direct injection of Mesenchymal stem...