What are stem cells?

 



Stem cells are the body's raw materials — cells from which all other cells with specialized functions are generated. Under the right conditions in the body or a laboratory, stem cells divide to form more cells called daughter cells.

These daughter cells become either new stem cells or specialized cells (differentiation) with a more specific function, such as blood cells, brain cells, heart muscle cells, or bone cells. No other cell in the body has the natural ability to generate new cell types.

Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into multiple lineages given the right cues and milieu.  This unique characteristic has attracted the attention of numerous researchers. Thus, they are devising different ways to harness this differentiation capability of stem cells for regenerative medicine. 


At International Institute of Innovation and Technology, we are engaging the stem cells for musculoskeletal repair.




The scenarios like non-union of fractures, cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis and muscle wasting have played over and over again in most families around the world and especially the comorbidity experienced by patients are a constant reminder that we need to improve the quality of life of these affected individuals.

These cells are placed under different culture conditions providing various signals, challenging the cells with unique chemicals and other parameters.

The results from the above-mentioned studies will enhance our understanding of the behavior of stem cells under these conditions and help us to formulate novel ways to modulate these cells for unmet therapeutic needs. For more information visit https://i3tk.org/blog/stem-cells-as-regenerative-medicines/


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