Derivation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Embryonic Stem Cells: A Non-Variable and Inexhaustive Source of Adult Stem Cells

Stem cells are characterized by their capability to self-renew and terminally differentiate into multiple cell types. Somatic or adult stem cells have a finite self-renewal capacity and are lineage-restricted. The use of adult stem cells for therapeutic purposes has been a topic of recent interest given the ethical considerations associated with embryonic stem (ES) cells. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells that can differentiate into osteogenic, adipogenic, chondrogenic, or myogenic lineages. Owing to their ease of isolation and unique characteristics, MSCs have been widely regarded as potential candidates for tissue engineering and repair. While various signaling molecules important to MSC differentiation have been identified, our complete understanding of this process is lacking. Recent investigations focused on the role of epigenetic regulation in lineage-specific differentiation of MSCs have shown that unique patterns of DNA methylation and histone modifications play an important role in the induction of MSC differentiation toward specific lineages. Nevertheless, MSC epigenetic profiles reflect a more restricted differentiation potential as compared to ES cells. Here we review the effect of epigenetic modifications on MSC multipotency and differentiation, with a focus on osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. We also highlight clinical applications of MSC epigenetics and nuclear reprogramming.

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Human Wharton’s Jelly Stem Cells Have Unique Transcriptome Profiles Compared to Human Embryonic Stem Cells and Other Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Stem Cell Reviews and Reports ◽

10.1007/s12015-010-9166-x ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 1-16 ◽

Cited By ~ 183

Author(s):

Chui-Yee Fong ◽

Li-Ling Chak ◽

Arijit Biswas ◽

Jee-Hian Tan ◽

Kalamegam Gauthaman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽

Embryonic Stem Cells ◽

Human Embryonic Stem Cells ◽

Embryonic Stem ◽

Wharton’S Jelly ◽

Wharton's Jelly

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Types of Stem Cells Used in US-Based Clinical Trials between 1999 and 2014

Catholic Social Science Review ◽

10.5840/cssr20212635 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 ◽

pp. 169-191

Author(s):

Emma E. Redfield ◽

Erin K. Luciano ◽

Monica J. Sewell ◽

Lucas A. Mitzel ◽

Isaac J. Sanford ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

Stem Cell ◽

Embryonic Stem Cells ◽

Adult Stem Cells ◽

Embryonic Stem ◽

Cell Types ◽

The Us ◽

Health Database ◽

Induced Pluripotent

This study looks at the number of clinical trials involving specific stem cell types. To our knowledge, this has never been done before. Stem cell clinical trials that were conducted at locations in the US and registered on the National Institutes of Health database at ‘clinicaltrials.gov’ were categorized according to the type of stem cell used (adult, cancer, embryonic, perinatal, or induced pluripotent) and the year that the trial was registered. From 1999 to 2014, there were 2,357 US stem cell clinical trials registered on ‘clinicaltrials.gov,’ and 89 percent were from adult stem cells and only 0.12 percent were from embryonic stem cells. This study concludes that embryonic stem cells should no longer be used for clinical study because of their irrelevance, moral questions, and induced pluripotent stem cells.

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