Lecture Notes from the BIOL2045 Vertebrate Development stem cells. Covering: what are stem cells, potency, regulation, embryonic stem cells, ICM cells, cerebral organoids, hES cells
What is a stem cell
The stem cell concept – a stem cell can make more stem cells while also producing
cells committed to undergoing differentiation
A cell is classified as a stem cell when it satisfies three criteria:
1. Undifferentiated or unspecified
2. Have the ability to self-renew
3. Mature and differentiate
Stem cell division modes
Asymmetric self-renewing division – a stem cell will divide and produce two different
prodigy – one stem cell and committed progenitor – the progenitor will give rise to a
differentiated cell
Symmetric differentiating division – a stem cell gives rise to two committed
progenitors – often seen in developing nervous system
Symmetric self-renewing division – a stem cell gives rise to two daughter stem cells –
can maintain or increase the pool of stem cells
These processes allow for a balance to be maintained – a shift towards one of these
divisions can lead to disorders such as cancer
Potency defines a stem cell
A stem cell has the power, or potency to produce many different types of
differentiated cells
1. Totipotency – the single cell zygote and the 4-8 cells embryo generates the
embryo and the extraembryonic tissue – not restrictive potency
2. Pluripotency – inner cell mass (ICM)/embryonic stem cells generate the embryo
proper – blastocyst stage – two lineages ICM and trophectoderm
3. Multipotency – adult or somatic (resident) stem cells, fuel organogenesis in the
embryo and regeneration in the adult tissue – tissue specific stem cells – driving
tissue homeostasis and regeneration
Potency review – progressive differentiation of neurons
Stem cell regulation
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