Commonly investigated stem cell types include embryonic stem cells (ESCs), as well as adult stem cell types that include mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), neural stem cells (NSCs), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). There are also other less common stem cell types, including dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), and a variety of perinatal stem cell types, including amniotic stem cells, placental stem cells, umbilical cord blood stem cells, and cord tissue stem cells.
Cancer stem cells also exist, giving rise to clonal populations of cells that form tumors or disperse within the body. Each of these stem cell types represents unique opportunities for research product development.
Importantly, literature concerning the biology, characteristics, and applications of stem cells has flourished over the past few decades.
In full-year 2015, there were 25,613 stem cell scientific publications released, and an all-time search returns 259,218 stem cell scientific publications (Pubmed.gov). [Read more…]