Stem cells (SCs) have been studied in great detail regarding regenerative medicine, and in the last few decades, there have been major achievements in the manipulation of SCs. Manipulation of certain types of SCs allows for the research into and treatment of disease. The types of SC used to do this are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Somatic cells such as fibroblasts can be reprogrammed into iPSCs by employing genetic modifications or chemical treatments. This was first achieved by Yamanaka using 4 genes involved in the maintenance of ECS pluripotency (Oct4, Sox2, c-Myc, and Klf4). The iPSCs can then be directed towards the desired cell type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the past five years, there have been many major advancements in the field of stem cell treatments for illness and disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alzheimer\u2019s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by impaired ability to comprehend or use words, poor coordination, and impaired function in planning, ordering and making judgments. There are two types of AD:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this study, ESCs were differentiated into neuron progenitor cells\u00a0in vitro<\/em>, these cells were then transplanted into AD rat models. The SC-treated rats performed better at the cognitive tests. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) were also shown to reduce AD-causing A\u03b2 deposits in the brain, which increased the neuronal survival of the animal models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n