Exploring Stem Cell Diversity: Understanding Stem Cell Classification: Types and Potentials Stem cells can be classified based on their origin, according to studies by the NIH, into adult stem cells (ASCs) and embryonic stem cells (ESCs). ASCs, also known as multipotent stem cells, are organ-specific, as they generate cell types from the same tissue.
Explore our resources to learn about the basic science of stem cells, their clinical applications, and the advances in research.
NIH Stem Cell Information
Stem cells can also be classified by their potency, which we will detail below:
Totipotent Stem Cells
These cells can grow and form a complete organism, including both embryonic components like the three germ layers, germ lineage, and tissues forming the yolk sac, and extraembryonic components such as the placenta.
This means they can form all cell types. The zygote, a prime example of a totipotent cell, forms when a sperm fertilizes an egg.
Pluripotent Stem Cells
These cells cannot form a complete organism but can develop into any other cell type from the three germ layers (endoderm, ectoderm, and mesoderm).
Therefore, they can form cellular lineages. They are found at various stages of embryonic development.
Multipotent Embryonic Stem Cells
These are pluripotent embryonic stem cells derived from the embryonic primordia of the gonads.
These primordia are located in a specific area of the embryo called the gonadal ridge, which will give rise to the gonads, ovaries, or testes, and subsequently to eggs and sperm, respectively.
Their differentiation capacity is similar to that of embryonic stem cells, but isolating them is more challenging.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPS)
Today, adult human cells can be manipulated to create induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS), which have shown the same growth and differentiation potential as embryonic stem cells, greatly expanding the biotechnological possibilities envisioned for embryonic cells.
Multipotent Stem Cells
These can only generate cells from their germ layer or embryonic lineage (for example, a mesenchymal stem cell from bone marrow, being mesodermal, will give rise to cells of that layer such as myocytes, adipocytes, or osteocytes).
Another example includes hematopoietic stem cells—blood stem cells capable of differentiating into the various cellular types of blood.
Unipotent Stem Cells
Also called progenitor cells, these stem cells can differentiate into only one cell type.
For instance, muscle stem cells, also known as satellite cells, can only differentiate into muscle cells.
Oligopotent Stem Cells
These can only differentiate into a few types of cells, such as lymphoid or myeloid stem cells.
Final Words
As we have explored. Stem cells offer a remarkable diversity in types and potentials. Positioning them as central figures in the promising field of regenerative medicine. From totipotent stem cells capable of forming an entire organism to unipotent cells with a focus on a single cell type. The range of possibilities continues to expand. The advancements in stem cell technology, particularly with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS). Are not just enhancing our understanding of cellular processes. But are also paving the way for innovative treatments for a myriad of diseases. As research progresses, the ethical and practical applications of stem cells. Will undoubtedly continue to be a significant area of discussion and development. Promising new hope and therapies for conditions that are currently deemed untreatable.
Thereafter, be sure to visit our article What are stem cells?
