Have you heard of stem cells but don’t know what they are or why they are essential in medical research?
In celebration of Stem Cell Awareness Day, the second Wednesday in October that is dedicated to educating about the importance of stem cells, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is providing this guide on what stem cells are and why funding research is critical to the progress of therapies and treatments that have the potential to help Californians and people around the world.
Stem Cells: What are they?
Stem cells are our bodies’ fundamental building blocks and can develop into hundreds of different cell types depending on what is needed. There are several varying cell types, but listed are a few that you may hear about often:
- Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs):These stem cells come from the earliest stages of embryonic development. They are pluripotent, meaning they can become any cell type.
- Adult stem cells:These cells live in many adult tissues, such as the gut lining and the eye’s cornea. They are more limited because they can produce only the cell types found in their home tissue. For example, corneal stem cells make only corneal cells. The best‑known adult stem cells are the blood‑forming stem cells in bone marrow, which generate all types of blood and immune cells.
- Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs): Scientists create these cells in the lab by reprogramming adult cells—usually from skin or blood—back into a pluripotent state. Like hESCs, they can become any cell type.
- Cancer stem cells: These cells form a subpopulation within tumors. They can multiply indefinitely and often resist chemotherapy.
Why Stem Cell Research Matters
Stem cell research is essential because it helps us understand how diseases develop—and, more importantly, how to treat them. Researchers continue to uncover the vast potential of stem cells, and the possibilities are expanding rapidly. This work could lead to new treatments for diseases once considered untreatable.
Watch our Stem Cell Awareness Day video featuring CIRM staff as they share why stem cells matter and how this research can transform the future of medicine.