Stem cells are one of the most promising and rapidly emerging areas of research. The latest scientific advancements are behind the rapid growth. As stem cell research rises globally, biobanks are being created to meet the demands. Biobanks preserve the characteristics of stem cells, prevent contamination, and facilitate their use for biomedical research.
Stem cells in the human body are “unspecialized.’ Both embryos and adults contain them. They are also known as “seed cells” and “universal cells” because of their potential to self-renew and their multidirectional differentiation. Some experts refer to them as a “life bank” since the cells can be collected, prepared, and stored so they can be used for ongoing research.
Biobanking and Stem Cell Research
The collection and use of different biological materials is not a new occurrence. It’s been going on and fueling research for many years. More recently, advancements in stem cell research has increased the need for stem cells and stem cell lines. This is a therapeutic need. Stem Cells are classified by scientists based on their ability to differentiate into other types of cells. There are five types of stem cells based on their potential differentiation, including:
· Multipotent Stem Cells
· Oligopotent Stem Cells
· Pluripotent Stem Cells
· Totipotent Stem Cells
· Unipotent Stem Cells
Researchers continue to explore the potential of stem cells in a variety of approaches. They are useful for drug discovery, toxicology, developmental biology, regenerative medicine, and cell therapy. Some stem cells are derived from tissue that only happens once during a lifetime. Traditionally, cord blood was discarded, but today, it is used to treat many diseases like blood cancer. Biobanks can store and preserve stem cells for long periods of time. Then, they are available when needed for treatment or to prevent the progression of a disease.
Scientists and researchers anticipate using stem cells and their ability to differentiate in many fields. The hope is that they can provide substantial improvements in fields such as biochemical studies, gene therapy, and regenerative medicine. These advancements include transplanting cells and tissue to effectively treat diseases. However, to achieve the full potential there has to be stem cell repositories that make stem cells available for further research and study. Even if they are used for treatment purposes, storage options must be available.
Benefits of Preserving Stem Cells
Stem cell preservation is essential for their use for medical purposes. When properly preserved, stem cells can be moved from one site to another. Preservation also allows safe and proper testing. Preserving stem cells provides some notable benefits.
· The stem cells in one’s body can be used to treat a wide range of diseases.
· When compared with bone marrow, cord blood contains more stem cells. In most instances, collecting stem cells from cord blood is not difficult and presents no danger of hurting the mother or baby.
· Currently, there are about 80 life-threatening disorders and diseases that can be treated using umbilical cord blood stem cells. These include blood disorders, genetic disorders, cancer, and immune system disorders.
· When stem cell therapy is needed, a perfect match is instantaneously available through stem cell banking. This saves a lot of money and time.
· Embryonic stem cells derived from a baby can treat an adult or another infant.
Stem cell research is a fascinating and innovative field, and it continues to grow rapidly. The cells are demonstrating a therapeutic potential for treating many different diseases that were once thought to be incurable. Since stem cells can create new tissue and cells, they are beneficial for treating a wide range of disorders and diseases. Here are a few examples of diseases that have been treated with well-preserved or stored stem cells.
Regeneration of Human Tissue and Organs
Using stored stem cells helps regenerate tissue and organs. There is a great need of organs, including skin tissue. Organs can be regenerated, donated, and transplanted in cases of organ failure.
Treating Type I Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes occurs when pancreatic cells do not function properly and fail to produce enough insulin. Using preserved stem cells allows pancreatic stem cells to be transplanted into type 1 diabetes patients. Patients whose insulin-producing cells have been destroyed by their immune systems may benefit from replacing the damaged cells with new stem cells.
Treating Cardiovascular Issues
Most cardiovascular disease is created by problems with blood vessels. One team of researchers at a Massachusetts hospital produced new blood vessels from stem cells. These particular cells resembled natural blood vessels in both function and appearance. Stem cells from a biobank can be used to regenerate or repair different tissues in humans. They are beneficial for helping manage vascular and cardiovascular diseases.
Treating Brain Disease
Many neurological disorders are often associated with cellular loss following injury. Stem cells can be used to treat these types of disorders. Parkinson’s, for example, leads to loss of control of muscle movement because of damage to brain cells. Researchers use stem cells to restore brain tissue that has been damaged by Parkinson’s disease. The new brain cells may prevent the uncontrolled movement of muscles.
Final Thoughts on Stem Cells
Stem cell research is making great headway almost every day. Their wide range of applications and benefits drives the need for more availability. Biorepositories must rise to meet the procurement and storage needs to make them more widely available to help advance medical research and the development of treatment options.
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-marrow-transplant/in-depth/stem-cells/art-20048117
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1873506122002306
https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=what-are-stem-cells-160-38
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4264671/
