Stem Cell Potency
Much like virtually all drugs stem cells are also attributed a potency rating based upon their capabilities in being able to differentiate into various other cell times for use in treatments and other developments. Based on this primary characteristic most stem cells generally fall under the totipotent or pluripotent cell rating, though various other types can also be considered stem cells for use in modern day studies:
Totipotent – in some circles also referred to as “omnipotent”, totipotent cells have the potential to form any cell type necessary based on the inherent DNA embedded for their control processes. These cells are generally found in newly formed eggs and form the basis for both embryonic and extra-embryonic development.
Pluripotent – Cells derived directly from the initial totipotent cells, these cells also hold the potential to form virtually all cell structures before they have differentiated into specialized systems.
Multipotent – The next stage following pluripotent cells, multipotent cells can form a variety of different cellular structures however are generally limited to closely related cell systems due to their partial differentiation.
Oligopotent – Highly limited in their flexibility of use, oligopotent stem cells can only be used in very similar, closely related systems that will have limited differences from their initially intended system.
Unipotent – Highly differentiated, unipotent stem cells maintain the ability to only form one particular type of cell, however unlike other cells that do not fall under the stem cell range (such as muscle cells) these cells have the ability to self-replicate and develop renewing tissues or other systems.
The primary difference separating each of these classifications of stem cells from other non-stem cells found within a body is the fact that each of these cells has the ability to repair or regenerate tissues and system components that other cell types cannot. Depending on the actual stage in terms of levels of differentiation the cells have gone through, however, the actual usefulness of each particular stem cell can be either great or highly limited and severely affect its viability as a treatment cell in terms of medical application. Nevertheless each form of stem cells is being studied and explored in order to develop various different treatments and cures for diseases as well as explore useful applications of adult stem cells that can be harvested and used with limited ethical concern that affects most fetal stem cell usage today.
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