• Like most other cells in the human body, stem cells carry a nucleus which contains the normal complement of chromosomes comprising the full human genome
• In the past, we thought that a specific cell type, such as a skin cell, could only fulfill its function as a skin cell and then die off
• recent research has revolutionized our thinking by showing that gene expression patterns in any cell are not necessarily fixed and that they can be turned back into an embryonic stem cell-
• Cells that have been reverted to this embryonic stem cell-like state are now referred to as induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells
•IPS cells can be used in the laboratory as patient surrogates for the detailed study of almost any disease, as well as for drug toxicity testing and initial high-throughput screening of large numbers of potential drug compounds
•Right now, the pharmaceutical industry is assessing their potential and looking towards their development as tools for use in these three areas.
Reflection:
My biology class prepared me for this article because I had a general knowledge of stem cells. I know the differences between adult and embryonic stem cells as well as their purpose in the body. I somewhat have an interest in stem cells and this article has made me want to gain more knowledge regarding this fascinating and controversial topic.
"Stem Cells: An Exciting Future for Medicine - Public Service." Public Sector & Government News - Public Service. 21 Mar. 2010. Web. 18 May 2010. http://www.publicservice.co.uk/feature_story.asp?id=13723
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