Stem cells are unspecialized cells capable of dividing and renewing for long periods, and with the capacity to give rise to specialized cell types such as fully differentiated liver, heart, or pancreatic cells. Embryonic and adult stem cells are the primary focus of human and animal stem cell research. Early research on stem cells focused on the ability of complex organisms to develop from a single cell, and has progressed to more recent advances in regenerative or reparative medicine. Common markers used to distinguish sub-populations of stem cells include cell surface antigens, structural proteins, and transcription factors active during development and differentiation.
Stem cells are unspecialized cells capable of dividing and renewing for long periods, and with the capacity to give rise to specialized cell types such as fully differentiated liver, heart, or pancreatic cells. Embryonic and adult stem cells are the primary focus of human and animal stem cell research. Early research on stem cells focused on the ability of complex organisms to develop from a single cell, and has progressed to more recent advances in regenerative or reparative medicine. Common markers used to distinguish sub-populations of stem cells include cell surface antigens, structural proteins, and transcription factors active during development and differentiation. 