Embryonic Stem Cells
Embryonic stem cells derive from a fertilized egg formed by the union of sperm and egg. Extracted at the early embryonic stage about 5–6 days after fertilization, they possess totipotency — the ability to differentiate into virtually every tissue and cell of the human body.
- Totipotency to differentiate into every tissue and cell type
- 'Pluripotent stem cells' with unlimited proliferative capacity
- High differentiation potential for treating a wide range of diseases
- Clinical use limited by ethical concerns and safety issues
Adult Stem Cells
Adult stem cells reside within already-developed human tissues. Unlike embryonic stem cells their differentiation range is limited, but because a patient's own cells can be used they minimize immune rejection — making them the most widely researched and applied stem cells today.
- Peripheral blood: obtained relatively simply through blood collection
- Adipose tissue: abundantly harvested via liposuction
- Bone marrow: mesenchymal stem cells obtained by marrow aspiration
- Cord blood: collected from the umbilical cord at birth
- Wharton's jelly: extracted from the gelatinous connective tissue of the cord
Four Classes of Adult Stem Cells
Adult stem cells fall into four broad classes by origin and character, each differing in differentiation range and clinical utility.
- Hematopoietic stem cells — differentiate into blood cells; used for leukemia and other blood disorders
- Mesenchymal stem cells — differentiate into bone, cartilage, fat, fibrous tissue; possess immunomodulatory ability
- Cord-blood-derived stem cells — low immune rejection and long-term storage
- Wharton's jelly-derived stem cells — high proliferation and differentiation, almost no immune rejection, high clinical value
This content is provided for general informational purposes only, and individual treatment outcomes may vary.