Next Steps in Stem Cell Research

Abstract

Ever since the first human embryonic stem cell line was established, hopes have been raised that treatment for a wide range of cellular degenerative disease and injuries is imminent. While significant progress has been made in stem cell research in recent years, several hurdles remain to be overcome before stem cells can be used routinely in the clinic. In particular, the understanding of the mechanisms that control cell integration, differentiation and proliferation in recipient tissues is far from complete. Identifying the factors that affect these mechanisms will be of enormous value in improving the therapeutic potential of stem cells. New stem cell models of disease together with highly controlled cell culture conditions and microscopic monitoring will be important tools in the study of these processes in vitro.