What are stem cells?
Stem cells are those cells that help repair the damaged cells in our body. These cells help in the generation of other cells having specific functions. Under specific conditions, the stem cells divide into more cells, and these newly generated cells are called daughter cells. Daughter cells can either become cells with specialized functions or regenerate into stem cells. The process by which stem cells become specialized cells with a particular function is called differentiation, and the process by which these cells multiply is called self-renewal. This function of generating new cells or renewing itself can be performed only by a stem cell. This explains the importance of these cells in the human body.
What are the types of stem cells?
There are four different types of stem cells.
- Embryonic stem cells
- Adult Stem Cells or tissue-specific stem cells
- Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
- Mesenchymal stem cells
Why are stem cells so important?
Stems cells are valuable because of the following reasons:
- They help in understanding the causes of diseases. Researchers and doctors can better understand the development of diseases and conditions by watching stem cells grow into bones, heart muscles, and nerve cells.
- It is possible to convert stem cells into specific cells that can then be used to repair or regenerate damaged tissues.
- Stem cell therapy may be beneficial for people with spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral Sclerosis.
- It is possible to grow stem cells to make new tissues for transplantation and as regenerative medicine. Research continues to improve the understanding of stem cells and their application in transplant.
- Researchers can use stem cells to test certain drugs for safety and quality before they are used in humans.
What is stem cell banking?
Stem cell banking can also be referred to as umbilical cord blood banking. Stem cell banking is the process of preserving the stem cells that are obtained at the time of birth. These stem cells are stored under cryogenic conditions in order to use them in the future for stem cell therapy. Stem cells are responsible for the self-renewal and differentiation of cells in our bodies.
What are the types of stem cell banking?
Based on retrieval rights, stem cell banking can be classified into two types-
- Private banking: After donor registration, the stem cell-rich sample is kept in family or private banks. The donor’s stem cells are preserved until someone from the family wants to use them. The costs of collection and preservation must be borne by the donor.
- Public banking: The sample is taken from the patient and kept in public storage. Anyone who requires stem cell therapy, or needs stem cells for any other reason, can approach the bank. The donor does not have to pay any fees here.
Based on the source, it can be classified into the following-
- Bone marrow: Although stem cells can be found in every organ of the body, the bone marrow has the highest concentration. Therefore, bone marrow is a rich source of stem cells, and hence they can be extracted from there. This process is called hematopoietic stem cell banking.
- Mature cells: In some cases, stem cells are collected from mature cells. These cells are programmed in such a way that they can differentiate into various cells of the body that have a specialized function so that they can renew themselves. This process is called Induced pluripotent stem cell banking.
- Umbilical cord: The residual blood of the umbilical cord after a baby is born is called cord blood. This blood is rich in stem cells and is easier to extract. After the extraction from the donor, this blood is safely preserved under a cryogenic environment so that it can be used in the future for stem cell therapy. This process of obtaining and storing stem cells is called cord blood banking.
- Amniotic fluid: It is possible to extract stem cells from the amniotic fluid during the amniocentesis process. These stem cells can be preserved and used whenever necessary.
What are the benefits of stem cell banking?
The following are the benefits of stem cell banking-
- Stem cell banking allows for cryogenic preservation of stem cells, which can be used for transplantation in the human body.
- Stem cells can be converted into different types of cells in our body, which in turn can treat damaged tissues.
- They can also be used to treat diseases that affect the blood and the immune system. The treatment of Leukaemia in children has been made possible by stem cell therapy.
- Stem cell banking also allows you to preserve stem cells from newly discovered sources and use them for research purposes.
With all these benefits, there is no reason why you shouldn’t consider putting for stem cell banking. And since the procedure is simple, you won’t have to worry much.