New Report Looks at the Different Types of Stem Cell Research

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c82752) has announced the addition of "Understanding Stem Cell Research" to their offering.

Stem cells are cells found in all multi-cellular organisms. They hold back the ability to regenerate themselves by mitotic cell division and can separate into a different array of specialized cell types. Research in the stem cell field grew out of determinations by Canadian scientists Ernest A. McCulloch and James E. Till in the 1960s. The two broad types of mammalian stem cells are: embryonic stem cells that are detected in blastocysts, and adult stem cells that are found in adult tissues. In a developing embryo, stem cells can differentiate into all of the specialized embryonic tissues. In adult organisms, stem cells and progenitor cells behave as a repair system for the body, refilling specialized cells, but also conserve the normal turnover of regenerative organs, such as blood, skin or intestinal tissues.

As stem cells can be grown and transformed into specialized cells with features consistent with cells of various tissues such as muscles or nerves through cell culture, their use in medical therapies has been proposed. In particular, embryonic cell lines, autologous embryonic stem cells generated through therapeutic cloning, and highly plastic adult stem cells from the umbilical cord blood or marrow are touted as bright prospects.

Stem cells have the capacity to replicate themselves into cells with similar properties in order to maintain a pool of precursor cells. Adult stem cells, also called tissue stem cells, are found in differentiated tissues in which, in a controlled manner, they differentiate and/or divide to produce all the specialized cell types of the tissue from which they originate. Adult stem cells are often multipotent, capable to produce several but limited numbers of cell types.

Recent data suggests that stem cells are not only active in embryos, but act throughout our lives, replacing worn and damaged mature cells. Before 1998, however, when the first stem cells were actually identified, they were merely assumed to exist.

This report on Understanding Stem Cell Research provides basic information on stem cells, a historical background on stem cells, information on the different types of stem cells along with where they are derived from, the importance of stem cells and the controversy surrounding stem cells. The report also takes a look at the different types of stem cell research currently available, the benefits of stem cell therapy and research and how they help in the treatment of various diseases.

Also included in the report is a regulatory framework analysis of various countries, along with their stance on stem cell research and therapy. An analysis of the major players in the industry in the U.S., and a detailed future outlook completes this report.

Executive Summary

Introduction to Stem Cells

What are Stem Cells?

Brief History of Stem Cells

What are the Properties of Stem Cells?

Types of Stem Cells

Totipotent Stem Cells

Puripotent Stem Cells

Multipotent Stem Cells

Where are Stem Cells Found?

Why are Stem Cells Important?

Controversy over Stem Cell Research

Differentiating between Stem Cell Research and Cloning

Understanding Embryonic Stem Cells

What are Embryonic Stem Cells?

Developments in Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Segregation & In Vitro Culture

Manufacture of Male Gametes

Infection by Reagents used in Cell Culture

Lowering Donor-Host Rejection

Potential Method for New Cell Line Derivation

Understanding Adult Stem Cells

What are Adult Stem Cells?

Therapies Derived from Adult Stem Cells

Types of Adult Stem Cells

Adipose Derived Adult Stem Cells

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Derived from Epithelial Cells

Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Mammary Stem Cells

Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Neural Stem Cells

Olfactory Adult Stem Cells

Testicular Cells

Issues in Adult Stem Cell Research

Following the Lineage of Stem Cells

What is a Stem Cell Line?

Creation of an Embryonic Line

Alternative Sources & New Techniques

Importance of Stem Cell Therapy

Introduction to Stem Cell Therapy

Features of Stem Cell Therapy

Advantages & Potential of Stem Cell Therapy

Prospective Stem Cell Therapies

Adult Stem Cell Therapies

Potential Tissue Repairing with Embryonic Stem Cells

Therapeutic Cloning

Using Stem Cells for Treatment

What is the Potential of Stem Cells in Treating Diseases?

Presently Available Treatments Applying Stem Cells

Potential Treatments of the Future

Treating Brain Damage

Treating Cancer

Treating Heart Damage

Treating Spinal Cord Injury

Treating Haematopoiesis

Treating Blood Disorders

Treating Bone & Cartilage Diseases

Treating Diseases of the Nervous System

Treating Baldness

Treating Tooth Problems

Treating Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases

Treating Vision Problems & Blindness

Aiding with Drug Testing and Toxicity

Isolating Stem Cells and Creating Transplantable Organs

Treating Children’s Type 1 Diabetes

Restriction of Stem Cell Therapies due to Immune Rejection

Applications of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Treating Diseases

Treatments with Adult Stem Cells vs. Embryonic Stem Cells

Controversies Surrounding Stem Cell Research and Development

Challenging the Source of Stem Cells

Ethics Issues of Human Stem Cells

Is the Human Embryo Destroyed?

Challenges Based on Spiritual Beliefs

Restrictions on Stem Cell Development Due to Cloning

High Cost of Stem Cell Research and Development

Principles of Justice

Who is Accountable and What about Regulation?

Issue of Intellectual Property Rights

Using Better Alternatives?

High Cost of Stem Cell Research and Potential of Funding – U.S. Policy

Funding Embryo Research over the Years

Policy on Stem Cell Research Funding

Policy Being Affected by Ethical Issues

Requirement of Federal Funding

Disadvantages of Global Political Disparity on Stem Cell Research for the U.S.

Timeline of Stem Cell Funding and Policy Debate in the U.S.

Country-Wide Analysis — Developments and Trends

Australia

Canada

China

European Union

Japan

United Kingdom

United States

Major Players

Aastrom Biosciences

BioTransplant

Cryo-Cell International

Geron

StemCells, Inc.

Advanced Cell Technology Inc

Stem Cell Innovations

Stemedica Cell Technologies, Inc.

CryoCord Sdn. Bhd.

Progenitor Cell Therapy, LLC.

Future of Stem Cell Research

Appendix

Glossary

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