[Human embryonic stem cells: clinical potential and current challenges].
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are regarded as the cornerstone of future treatment of a wide range of cellular degenerative disorders. hESCs are characterized by their pluripotency, i.e. their ability to differentiate into a wide range of cell types in the adult human body, including insulin-producing beta-cells, cardiomyocytes and neurons. Implementation in clinical settings, however, requires extensive safety studies and a solution to immunogenic issues in particular. Nonetheless, the potential outcome of regenerative medicine is likely to open avenues for treating many illnesses which today can only be treated with moderate success, if at all.
Oliveri
Roberto S
RS
Rigshospitalet, Reproduktionsbiologisk Laboratorium 5712, Juliane Marie Centret, DK-2100 København Ø. oliveri@rh.dk
Andersen
Claus Yding
CY
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D054337:Cell Dedifferentiation / Q000502:physiology; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D019976:Cloning, Organism; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D053652:Nuclear Transfer Techniques; D039904:Pluripotent Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation