Definition of a Stem Cell Line

Stem cell research is a developing field that studies specialized cells in the body. These cells have the potential to act as internal repair systems in the treatment of sicknesses and diseases. As repair systems, they work by growing into lines of cells that replace and replenish damaged tissue masses within the body.

Identification

• A stem cell line begins as a single cell that's cultivated in vitro. The cell is incubated and given a special liquid food source. Oxygen and carbon dioxide mixtures are provided so that the cell's conditions resemble those found within the body. This encourages the stem cell to grow into a line of cells. Two types of specialized cells are used in these procedures--embryonic and adult cells. Each type of cell has certain characteristics that can be used in research development to better understand and treat illness and disease.

Stem Cells

• Stem cells are unique in that they provide the template designs for all other cells in the body. These cells are able to transform--or differentiate--into any number of different cell types. Embryonic stem cell lines are called pluripotent, as they can develop into virtually any type of tissue or organ. Adult cell lines are called multipotent, as they can only develop into a limited number of different cell types. However, both types of cells are capable of dividing, or duplicating, on an indefinite basis.

Stem Cell Sources

• Stem cell lines can be grown from cells that originate in various parts of the body. Embryonic lines are derived from the blastocyst form of an embryo cell. Once the egg, or zygote, is fertilized, it continues to divide until a blastocyst is formed. The inner portion of the blastocyst is where embryonic stem cells are taken from. Adult cell lines can be grown from the cells in the blood, bone marrow or fetal materials such as those found in the umbilical cord and amniotic fluid.

Pluripotent Stem Cells

• Pluripotent lines are a newly developed stem cell line engineered from adult stem cells. Also known as induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells, they are similar in capability to embryonic lines in terms of their ability to differentiate into any cells types within the body. The iPS cells are produced by reprogramming the DNA structure of adult stem cells. This is still a fairly new procedure that's far from producing lines that can be used to treat human disease.

Stem Cell Uses

• The research on stem cell lines works to provide a better understanding of the mechanisms that drive body tissue functions. This knowledge can be applied within disease research and models that work toward preventative health treatments. Researchers look to use stem cell lines to treat conditions such as cancer, Parkinson's disease and diabetes by replacing damaged or diseased tissue formations with healthy stem cell lines capable of regrowing healthy tissue and organ materials. One form of stem use currently being practiced is the procedure involving bone marrow transplants, in which blood stem cells are used to treat blood-related disorders.