Stem Cells: Scientific Progress and Future Research Directions.

摘要

The various sources of stem cells are described, as are the techniques used to isolate and develop them. A comprehensive listing of various stem cell isolation and characterizations is also included. In order to ensure the reader is provided information both about the basic biology of stem cells, and their therapeutic potential, the report contains several chapters focused on particular diseases which might benefit from stem cell research. These chapters on the use of hematopoietic stem cells, followed by focus features on specific nervous system diseases, diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune diseases serve merely as examples of the many applications of stem cells that are being pursued. Also included are features that review aspects of stem cells as therapeutic delivery tools for gene therapy and, importantly, the safety considerations for developing stem cell-based therapies. The report was prepared under the auspices of the Office of Science Policy, Office of the Director, NIH. Several approaches were taken to obtain relevant scientific information for the report. A thorough review of the extant literature, including more than 1200 scientific publications was conducted. Scientific experts (both domestic and international) from all areas of relevant biomedical research in stem cells were interviewed in depth. While the majority of the work presented in this report emanates from investigators in academic laboratories, extensive discussions were held with scientists in the private pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Thus, the report makes every effort to encompass what is known and not known about stem cell biology and is, therefore, not limited to research that is or has been funded by the NIH.