Kantasolutyypeillä

Kantasolutyypeillä refers to the different categories or classifications of stem cells. Stem cells are undifferentiated or immature cells that have the potential to develop into specialized cell types in the body. Their classification is primarily based on their potency, which describes the range of cell types they can differentiate into.

The most common classification starts with totipotent stem cells, which are the earliest embryonic stem cells. These cells can differentiate into all possible cell types, including the extraembryonic tissues like the placenta. Following totipotent cells are pluripotent stem cells. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst are the most well-known type of pluripotent stem cells. They can differentiate into any cell type of the three primary germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm) but not into extraembryonic tissues. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are another form of pluripotent stem cells, created artificially by reprogramming somatic cells.

Multipotent stem cells are the next level, capable of differentiating into a limited range of cell types within a specific lineage or tissue. For example, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) can give rise to all types of blood cells, while mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into bone cells, cartilage cells, and fat cells. Oligopotent stem cells can differentiate into only a few cell types. Unipotent stem cells are the most restricted, able to differentiate into only one type of cell but still possessing self-renewal capabilities. This categorization helps researchers understand the potential applications of different stem cell types in regenerative medicine and disease research.