Stem cells of the reproductive tract of women
Brad B. Swelstad, Kamna S. Balhara, Nikta Pashai, Edward E. Wallach, Candace L. Kerr
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA;Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA.
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA;Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA;Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA;Reproductive Care Center, Sandy and Layton, USA.
DOI: 10.4236/ojrm.2013.21001   PDF    HTML   XML   3,904 Downloads   7,325 Views   Citations

Abstract

Research in stem cells is one of the most rapidly evolving fields of investigation in medicine today. Stem cells are defined as cells that have the capacity to both generate daughter cells identical to the cell of origin (self-renewal) and to produce progeny with more restricted, specialized potential (differentiated cells). This dual ability to self-renew and differentiate offers great promise for expanding our understanding of organ systems, elucidating disease pathophysiology, and creating therapeutic approaches to difficult diseases. The goal of this review is to offer an overview of the different types of stem cells and to provide an introduction to the applications of stem cells to the field of obstetrics and gynecology.

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B. Swelstad, B., S. Balhara, K., Pashai, N., E. Wallach, E. and L. Kerr, C. (2013) Stem cells of the reproductive tract of women. Open Journal of Regenerative Medicine, 2, 1-7. doi: 10.4236/ojrm.2013.21001.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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