Pluripotent Stem Cells

What are pluripotent stem cells?

Pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into almost any cell type. These stem cells are classified as embryonic, fetal, and adult stem cells. Pluripotent stem cells typically exist solely during early embryonic development. They are highly valued for their ability to form all three of the basic body layers, as well as germ cells. They are able to become ectoderm, which are the cells that develop into tissues such as skin and the nervous system, endoderm, which are the cells that develop into digestive and respiratory organs, or mesoderm, which are the cells that create tissues and organs such as bone, cartilage, blood and blood vessels, muscle, heart, and kidney. Furthermore, there are also induced pluripotent stem cells, which have been derived from implanted embryos. 

Boston Children's Hospital, which is ranked among the best in the nation for pediatric hospitals, phrased it this way: “Pluripotent stem cells can potentially produce any cell or tissue the body needs to repair itself"

Diagram detailing the potential of induced pluripotent stem cells