Kantasolun

Kantasolun is the Finnish term corresponding to the English word stem cell. In Finnish usage, kantasolu refers to a primitive cell capable of self-renewal and differentiation into specialized cell types, with kantasolun as the genitive form and kantasolut as the plural.

Stem cells are defined by two key properties: self-renewal, which sustains the stem cell pool, and potency, the ability to differentiate into multiple cell lineages. Potency is classified as totipotent, pluripotent, multipotent, or unipotent. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent and can form all cell types of the body, while adult (somatic) stem cells reside in tissues and typically generate limited lineages. Induced pluripotent stem cells are created by reprogramming mature cells to a pluripotent state in the laboratory.

Applications of stem cells include regenerative medicine, tissue repair, drug screening, and disease modeling. They also provide tools for studying development and tissue maintenance. Ethical considerations often center on the use of embryos, donor consent, and the balance between potential benefits and moral concerns. Practical challenges include achieving precise and safe differentiation, maintaining genetic stability, avoiding tumorigenicity, and addressing immune compatibility for therapies.

Regulatory frameworks in Finland and the European Union govern stem cell research, emphasizing ethical review, informed consent, transparency in funding and reporting, and safeguards to ensure responsible scientific advancement.

See also: stem cell, induced pluripotent stem cell, regenerative medicine, tissue engineering.