Stem cells are a group of undifferentiated cells with an ability to self- renew and differentiate into any cell type. Based on potential stem cells can be classified as pluripotent stem cells, multipotent stem cells, Oligo potent stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. Pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into either the ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm. Multipotent stem cells can differentiate into bone, cartilage, nerve or adipose tissue. Oligo potent stem cells can form terminally differentiated cells of a particular tissue. Stem cell therapy opens promising areas to replace damaged cells and regenerate organs. Similarly stem cells have been utilized to study developmental biology, disease pathogenesis and drug discovery. This review is focused to discuss the origin, classification of stem cells and their application in regenerative medicine and ethical issues regarding stem cells.
Key words: Stem cells, Pluripotent stem cells, Stem cell therapy, regenerative medicine
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