Human stem cells definition

Zambidis ET, Peault B, Park TS, Bunz F and Civin Cl (2005). Hematopoietic differentiation of human embryonic stem cells progresses through sequential hemato endothelial, primitive, and definitive stages resembling human yolk sac development. Blood 106 860-870. 

Acronyms and Definitions Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Somatic Stem Cell Therapy Good Manufacturing Practice Cell-Based Medicinal Products Human Platelet Lysate... 

Schematic representation of the hematopoietic cascade in mice and human (hum). All the cells of the hematopoietic system are positive for antigen CD45. Based on this, the dynamics of surface antigen expression along development of different mature cells derived from the hematopoietic stem cell system can be observed. Rounded arrows indicate self-renewal potential. Smooth thinner arrows indicate directions of cellular differentiation. The identification of CDs (clusters definition) and other antigen cell markers are listed in the glossary. (LT-HSC - long term hematopoietic stem cell ST-HSC - short term hematopoietic stem cell MPP - multipotent progenitor CLP - common lymphoid precursor CMP - common myeloid precursor GMP - granulocyte-monocyte precursor MEP - megacaryocyte-erythrocyte precursor T - T lymphocyte B - B lymphocyte NK - natural killer cell DC - dendritic cell).

The value of cultured stem cells to toxicology is in their promise as a continuous source of cells that can be induced to express a chosen cell-type-specific mature phenotype. This achievement would address two current limitations in safety testing scarcity of metabolically competent human systems and use of experimental animals. Numerous culture additives and conditions have been identified that cause commitment and partial differentiation along specific lineages, such as retinoic-acid-induced neuronal commitment of mouse embryonic stem cells. However, definition of conditions that produce fully differentiated cells with cell-type-specific function quantitatively similar to that of intact tissue remains problematic and is a high-priority research area in toxicology. 

Ramasamy, T. S., Yu, J. S., Selden, C., Hodgson, H., Cui, W. 2013. Application of three-dimensional culture conditions to human embryonic stem cell-derived definitive endoderm cells enhances hepatocyte differentiation and functionality. Tissue Engineering Part A, 19(3 ), 360-7. 

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