Recent technological advancements in stem cell research for targeted therapeutics

Stem cells have characteristic features of self-renewal, pluripotency and differentiation, which are responsible for replenishment of tissue or organ. Stem cells are potentiated as therapeutic tool in drug targeting and regenerative medicine—from curing various neurological diseases and malignancies to congenital diseases. These technological advancements have established stem cells as future of medicine. However, due to ethico-social limitations, the use of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) has been avoided, while physiological availability of adult stem cells (ASCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has gained appropriate preference. These iPSCs are very much similar to ESCs in terms of their self-renewal and pluripotency. Here, we have summarized the technologies that have established stem cells isolation, their molecular marker and factors responsible for their maintenance. Different cellular (transcription factors, regulatory proteins, miRNA like miRNA-296, miRNA-145, etc.) and extracellular components transcend stem cell fate. Their identification and characterization involve development and efficient utilization of tools like magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). Some of the technologies have been patented and spin-off’s based on them have been commercialized. In conclusion, we present the future scope and possibilities that stem cell technologies behold for us. [Figure not available: see fulltext.].