Vol. 5, Issue 5 (2016)

Author(s):
Munazza Gull, Lujain Abdulaziz Alsaleh, Muhammad Aamer Mehmood, Abida Kausar, Taha Abdullah Kumosani

Abstract:
The undifferentiated inner mass cells of a human embryo represents the major source of embryonic stem cells. These embryonic stem cells are pluripotent in nature showing that they can differentiate into all the derivatives of three primary germ layers which are ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm. They have a potential to develop into each of the more than 200 cell types of an adult body when they are instructed or specified to do so. Embryonic stem cells have two unique properties: (1) they replicate to create many more stem cells and (2) they can grow into different types of cells throughout the body like liver, muscle, bone, nerve, etc. In fact, certain types of adult stem cells could replicate for several months outside of the body in the laboratory, creating more stem cells that are used in different medical treatments. Scientists are trying to develop new medical solutions capable of enhancing the capacity and potential for growth and healing available in embryos and very useful in later stages of adult life. These novel capabilities and strategies present in embryonic stem cells could regenerate or replenish tissues or specialized cells damaged by Alzheimer's, cancer and other chronic and fatal diseases and which can leads towards death. By utilization of embryonic stem cells as a tool, more knowledge about body development and maturity could be explored and utilized in therapeutics. In medical science, the cutting edge technology of stem cells and its discoveries about hidden potential within the cells of our own bodies could make wonders. Conclusively, this review summarizes that the use of human embryonic stem cells as therapy with respect to in vitro propagation and differentiation as well as their use in basic cell and developmental biology particularly for various tissue regeneration and transplantation is a profitable investment in future for ourselves and for coming generations.