Stem Cell Awareness: What are stem cells and why research is important

Have you heard of stem cells but don't know what they are or why they are essential to the medical research community? In celebration of Stem Cell Awareness Day, the second Wednesday in October that is dedicated to educating about the importance of stem cells, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) wants to provide a quick guide on what stem cells are and why funding research is critical to the progression of therapies and treatments that have the potential to help thousands of Californians.

Stem Cells: What are they?

Stem cells are our bodies' fundamental building blocks and can develop into hundreds of different cell types depending on what is needed. There are several varying cell types, but listed are a few that you may hear about often:

• Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs): Stem cells that exist only in the earliest stages of embryonic development and are considered pluripotent due to having the capability to become any cell type.

• Somatic stem cells: Somatic cells, also known as adult stem cells, are present in most adult tissues, such as bone marrow. These cells are limited because they can generate only the same types of cells found in the tissue from which they originate. For example, adult stem cells for eyes can generate more eye cells.

• Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs): These are cells that can be taken from a patient and then reprogrammed or modified into any adult cell type within the body.

• Cancer stem cells: A subpopulation of cells that can multiply indefinitely and are resistant to chemotherapy.

Why Stem Cell Research is Critical

Stem cell research is crucial because it enhances our understanding of how diseases develop and, more importantly, how to treat them. Researchers are still discovering a great deal about the immense potential of stem cells, and the possibilities appear limitless. They continue to investigate the capabilities of these potent cells, and their advancements could result in treatments for diseases and conditions previously thought to be untreatable.

Watch our Stem Cell Awareness video featuring CIRM staff. They share their insights on the importance of stem cells and the impact research can have on the future of medicine.

For more resources about stem cells and stem cell research, please visit a few of the following:

• UCLA Broad Stem Cell Center
• National Institutes of Health

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