Our organism is full of cells, structural and functional units of all living beings. Each cell performs extremely specific functions in our body. An example is red blood cells, responsible for carrying oxygen to tissues.
Some cells have the ability to transform into any cell because they have not yet undergone the differentiation process. These cells are called stem cells and they play an important role in the organism and also represent a hope for medicine.
→ Types of Stem Cells
There are three main types of stem cells: embryonic, adult and induced pluripotent. See below the main characteristics of each of them:
Embryonic stem cells: are those found in the embryo. Soon after fertilization and the beginning of cell division, there are cells called totipotent, which stand out for their ability to transform into any type of adult cell. When the embryo attaches itself to the uterus, pluripotent cells are found, which have the ability to generate different cell types, but are unable to generate a complete individual as the totipotents.
Adult Stem Cells: Adult stem cells are found in different parts of the body, most notably the bone marrow. These cells, like embryonic cells, can give rise to different cell types, but they are less versatile. Its main role is to renew the structures of the body.
Induced pluripotent stem cells: These stem cells, unlike the others, are produced in the laboratory. In this process, cells are formed through the insertion of a virus that modifies the DNA and reprograms the cell to return to the embryonic stem cell stage. For this, skin cells are usually used.
→ Stem Cell Functions
Stem cells are important for the body because they guarantee the development and renewal of cells throughout life. In addition to this important role, these cells can be used in the treatment of a number of serious diseases. However, in many places, searches are not allowed.
Since embryonic stem cells can become any cell in the body, their use could, in theory, cure any disease that causes tissue degeneration. Much research suggests, for example, that these cells are beneficial in treating Parkinson's, diabetes and neurological diseases. However, many studies have yet to be carried out.
It is worth noting that a lot of controversy is involved when it comes to stem cells embryonic, as many groups, mainly religious, do not agree with the use of embryos for research. In Brazil, however, research with embryonic stem cells has been allowed since 2005.
Adult stem cells, which are not a matter of debate, are already being used in organ renewal processes. An example of using this type of cell is in the treatment of lymphomas and leukemias.
By Ma. Vanessa dos Santos
