| Stem Cell Markets | | | | generally controlled by growing them in a specific |
| A stem cell is an extraordinary type of cell that has | | | | configuration (monolayer or three-dimensional culture). |
| the ability to self-renew for long periods of time and | | | | This process, which is vital to enable stem cells to be |
| to differentiate into specialized cells under appropriate | | | | used for therapeutic purposes, is called differentiation. |
| physiological or experimental conditions. Traditionally, | | | | Differentiation is a process involving unspecialized cells |
| stem cells have been classified as either embryonic, | | | | progressing to become specialized cells with restricted |
| adult (tissue-specific or cord blood) stem cells. Recent | | | | developmental potential. |
| understanding of stem cell biology may provide new | | | | The purpose of this report is to describe the specific |
| approaches for the treatment of a number of | | | | market segments of the medical research space |
| diseases as well as tissue/organ injuries, including | | | | using stem cells for research and development |
| cardiovascular disease, neurological disease, | | | | (R&D) purposes. This study reviews all of the |
| musculoskeletal disease, diabetes and hematopoietic | | | | generally accepted analytical methods that are |
| disorders. ( ) | | | | currently in use today for preparing and using stem |
| Stem cell fate is determined by both intrinsic | | | | cells. It examines the use of stem cells in developing |
| regulators and the extra-cellular environment (niche), | | | | new therapies for disease. |
| and their expansion and differentiation ex vivo are | | | | |