describe Role of epigenetics in stem cell biology

In this module we will study about the role of epigenetics in stem cell biology as well as recent advances in stem cell research.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this unit, you will be able to

•describe the terms pluripotency, totipotency and multipotency and name a cell type that exemplifies each

•classify three important characteristics of stem cells

•define the fates of differentiated cells

•name diseases in which stem cells may potentially be used for treatment

•define how Dolly the lamb came to be

•name four genes whose expression can turn a differentiated cell into a stem cell

Discussion Assignment

Do your own literature research as well as compare SCNT (somatic cell nuclear transfer) v. iPS (induced pluripotent stem cells) technology in terms of the following:

•technique of generation (time and labour involved)

•competence of generation (and discuss why so low)

•usefulness in therapeutics (experimental successes/failures)

•the normalness of each

•possible problems