Stem cells are mother cells that have the potential to become any type of cell in the body. One of the many characteristics of stem cells is their ability to self-renew and differentiate to form more stem cells of the same kind or mature into specialised cells with a specific function. Among them are circulatory, nervous and immune systems.
But scientists are learning more and more about the basic biology of stem cells. They are pinpointing the unique properties and potential of each type: embryonic stem cells that can become just about any cell, adult stem cells that can become specialized tissue or organ cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells that are mature adult cells reprogrammed to act like embryonic ones.
Types of Stem Cells
Adult stem cells. Adult stem cells are considered as multipotent, that are found in different types of tissues including bone marrow, adipose, liver, blood, skeletal muscle, cord blood and others.
- Unipotent. A unipotent stem cell refers to a cell that can differentiate along only one lineage. They have the ability to self-renew and are able to generate healthy and viable cells for transplant purposes.
- Multipotent. It refers to the adult stem cells that will form a specific number of cell types, such as haematopoietic stem cells that differentiate into platelet, RBC and WBC cells.
Embryonic stem cells. It is considered pluripotent due to the fact that they come from embryos that are typically four to five days old. All embryonic stem cell products are in pre-clinical development.
- Pluripotent, refers to the capability of the stem cells to form any type of cell. They mostly complement embryonic structures in the complete organism.
- Totipotent, refers to the capability of the stem cells to form a complete organism. They have the ability to replicate in unlimited numbers without losing their total potency.
Stem Cell Research: The Journey
The story began back in the first quarter of 2014.
January 2014. In a major breakthrough, scientists have created embryonic stem cells without embryos. Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, in collaboration with researchers from Japan, have discovered a way of changing adult stem cells back to their original embryonic state by exposing them to low oxygen and acidic environments. Meanwhile, In another international collaboration elsewhere, researchers from Sweden, Singapore and Taiwan successfully treated two babies with a congenital bone disease that causes stunted growth and repeated fracturing, by injecting them in-utero with bone-forming stem cells.
February 2014. The largest trial ever of adult stem cell therapy in heart attack patients begun at London Chest hospital. Researchers have estimated that the survival rates of heart attack patients could increase by 25% from the therapy. On the other hand, a group of scientists at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston has successfully grown human lungs in the laboratory. Both are indeed amazing discoveries.
March 2014. The Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) in collaboration with the team from Quebec Leukaemia Cell Bank, discovered a major breakthrough in the development of new cancer drugs using leukemic stem cells. The success has opened ways for identifying new cancer drugs for one of the most aggressive forms of blood cancer, acute myeloid leukaemia. Meanwhile, in Michigan, a team of research scientists from University of Michigan Medical School has created the first stem cell model to counter bipolar disorder. This model is expected to answer the unclear facts about the real causes of bipolar disorder.
The Potentials of Stem Cells
There are three major potentials of stem cells. First, the stem cell will be the main tool in the treatment of diseases such as cancer and Myocardial Infarction. Second, the techniques of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSCs) will lead the market in the future. Finally, despite the fact that the replacement of entire organs will not be achieved in the next 5-6 years, this approach, however, could be the answer to the real solution to it.
How Malaysia Can Benefit From The Stem Cells Industry
Medical tourism. The healthcare infrastructure is highly developed in the country with state-of-the-art facilities. Apart from the fact that it provides affordable and good quality healthcare facilities, the country is also an attractive destination for tourists. Stem cell companies are banking on these factors and gearing up to cater to the rising demand.
Less competition. Stem cell market is expected to see a double growth rate in coming years. Considering the low market penetration in Malaysia as compared to Singapore and South Korea, opportunities are immense in this untapped market
The support from the Government. The Ministry of Health Malaysia actively promotes the development of research capabilities in stem cell research. The government has initiated several efforts by inviting international institutions to collaborate with local bodies to develop protocols that support the characterisation of molecular, cellular and genetic characteristics of the stem cells.
Stem cell banking is the future. Back in 2013, the size of the current stem cell banking sector in Malaysia was around 100,000 enrolments only. The industry was considered to be in its infancy. Being new, this could turn out to be big and may invite huge investment from investors, as it was expected to grow at a CAGR of 16% in the next 5-6 years at that time.
