Replace damaged tissue
Human stem cells could be used in the generation of cells and tissues for cell-based therapies (that is, treating patients by transplanting specialised cells that have been grown from stem cells in the laboratory) .
Due to their ability to replace damaged cells in the body, stem cells could be used to treat a range of conditions including heart failure, spinal injuries, diabetes and Parkinson disease. It is hoped that transplantation and growth of appropriate stem cells in damaged tissue will regenerate the various cell types of that tissue.
For example, haematopoietic stem cells (stem cells found in bone marrow) could be transplanted into leukaemia patients to generate new blood cells, or neural stem cells may be able to regenerate nerve tissue damaged by spinal injury.
Study human development
Stem cells could be used to study early events in human development and how cells differentiate and function. This may help researchers find answers as to why some cells become cancerous and how some genetic diseases develop, which may lead to clues as to how they may be prevented.
Testing of new drugs
Stem cells grown in the laboratory may be useful for testing drugs and chemicals before they are trialled in people. The cells could be directed to differentiate into the cell types that are important for screening that drug. These cells may be more likely to mimic the response of human tissue to the drug being tested, compared to some of the animal models currently being used. This may make drug testing safer, cheaper and more ethically acceptable to those who oppose the use of animals in pharmaceutical testing.
Screening toxins
Stem cells may be useful for screening potential toxins in substances such as pesticides before they are used in the environment.
Testing gene therapy methods
Stem cells may prove useful during the development of new methods for gene therapy that may help people suffering from genetic illnesses.
These applications are all likely to be 10-20 years away.
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