Lung: Stem and Progenitor Cells in Adults

Lungs diseases are among the most common medical conditions, affecting millions of people every year. There are several causes of lung diseases, including smoking, infections, and genetic causes. Stem cells are a class of undifferentiated cells of the body that are capable of differentiating into specialized kinds of cells. The two most common sources of stem cells are embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells.

Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are obtained from the human embryo. The embryos are acquired by in vitro fertilization of eggs in the laboratory. Afterward, with consent of the donor, these cells are donated for research purpose. ESCs have two unique qualities: pluripotency and the capacity to make duplicate copies indefinitely. They can be differentiated into three germ layers: the ...

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