What are stem cells?

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can develop and multiply into any cell type in the body. The unique ability of stem cells to self-renew and recreate functional tissues has led to its promising applications in cellular therapies.

Stem cells have varying potential for differentiation. For instance, embryonic stem cells and umbilical cord tissue-derived cells are pluripotent, meaning they can differentiate into every cell type. Adult stem cells are multipotent in specific tissues or organs of the human body, such as bone marrow and adipose or fat tissue. Their differentiation potential is limited and specific to their sources of origin.

Read Also: Stem Cell Basics: What They Are And How Do They Work

What are progenitor cells?

Stem cell is a generic or umbrella term referring to all specialized and unspecialized cells capable of self-replicating through cell division. Progenitor cells arise from stem cells and are called their immediate descendants.

Through asymmetric cell divisions, stem cells renew and give rise to tissue-specific cells called progenitors, which differentiate further and multiply into limited numbers.

The primary difference between stem cells and progenitor cells is their differentiation capability. Unlike stem cells, progenitor cells can only differentiate into cells belonging to the same tissue or organ. To put it simply, they are unipotent cells with restricted cell potency. Progenitor cells aim for a final target for cell differentiation and renewal.

Comparison Between Progenitor Cells and Stem Cells

Although progenitor cells are a type of stem cell, they are more specific in their regenerative capability and function. Stem cells have the remarkable potential to differentiate and develop any cell type infinitely and possibly form a whole organ by regenerating tissues. On the contrary, progenitor cells can only grow and self-renew into a specific cell type, thus limiting its applicability in regenerative medicine.

Here is a comprehensive study of both types of cells based on their properties, types, functionalities, and benefits.

Properties of Stem Cells

• Stem cells are unspecialized cells that self-replicate indefinitely through asymmetric cell division.
• All stem cells have multilineage differentiation potential, meaning they can form all types of cells in the body.
• They can repair and regenerate damaged tissues while replenishing dying cells in the diseased area.

Properties of Progenitor Cells

• Progenitor cells are specialized stem cells specific to a particular tissue or organ.
• A progenitor cell can differentiate into its “target cell” and, hence, is unipotent.
• They can divide and self-replicate into a specific cell type a limited number of times.
• Through restricted cell differentiation, progenitor cells can create more progenitor cells or fully matured differentiated cells.

Types of Stem Cells

Stem cells are classified into four main types based on their collection sources.

• Adult stem cells
• Embryonic stem cells
• Fetal or umbilical cord stem cells
• Induced pluripotent stem cells

Types of Progenitor Cells

The undifferentiated stem cells transform into mature cells for blood, tissue, or organ development. During the transformation journey, the immature stem cells undergo cell division to give rise to various types of progenitor cells.

• Neural progenitor cells (cells in the central nervous system)
• Hematopoietic progenitor cells (blood-forming cells)
• Pancreatic progenitor cells
• Endothelial progenitor cells

Benefits of Stem Cells

When stem cells are introduced into the body through stem cell therapy, the new cells reach the diseased area, repair the injured cells, and act on surrounding cells to help the body heal naturally.

• Through tissue regeneration, stem cells can potentially treat neurodegenerative diseases, orthopedic injuries, spinal damage, and cardiac and pulmonary disorders.
• Stem cells have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, effectively treating autoimmune diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Psoriasis, and Multiple Sclerosis.
• These cells are used in anti-aging treatment as they can regenerate skin cells and delay the process of aging, defying the frailty of aging.

Benefits of Progenitor Cells

Since progenitor cells can form only a single cell type, they can support cellular repair and maintenance in a specific tissue or organ.

• Progenitor cells serve as the body’s repair mechanism by replenishing special cells.
• They are beneficial in ongoing tissue maintenance in the blood, intestinal, nervous systems, and various organs in the body.
• They help faster recovery and tissue healing by replacing damaged or dead cells.

Read Also: Stem Cell Therapy: Ischemic Stroke Recovery Breakthrough

Therapeutic Applications of Stem Cells and Progenitor Cells

Continued research and advancements in regenerative medicine offered hope to patients with chronic and life-threatening conditions. Stem cells repair and regenerate damaged tissues from disease, injury, or aging. Progenitor cells are being explored alongside stem cells for their potential to treat diseases or injuries.

However, more research is needed to understand better how progenitor cells function on a molecular basis. On the contrary, stem cells have progressed from early research and experimental trials to therapeutic use.