[Stem cells: cell differentiation and novel therapies.].
Stem cells are unusual with regard to their capability of both self-renewal and differentiation into specialized cells. Best known are the hematopoietic stem cells which have been used in cell replacement therapy for many years. Recently, research on both embryonic and adult stem cells has offered new hope of cell replacement therapy to treat various diseases. Here we review the properties of both embryonic and adult stem cells as well as recent experiments on the therapeutic use of such cells. Although stem cells offer promising solutions for medical treatment, many difficulties need to be overcome before laboratory results can be moved to the bedside.
Guðjónsson
Thornórarinn
T
The Icelandic Cancer Society, Skógarhlíð 8, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland. thorarinn@krabb.is.
Steingrímsson
Eiríkur
E