
Stem cells with the capacity to self-renew and maintain pluripotency comprise a very small and rare subset of cells within the body. In some cases, one stem cell may be found among 100,000 cells in circulating blood. In addition, there may be little morphological distinctions and they may look like any other cell within a given tissue. Researchers have collectively found ways to identify these elusive cells by means of stem cell “markers”, a set of protein or antigenic signatures unique to stem cells. These markers are usually localized to the cell surface, and many function as receptors. For example, Oct-4 and stage-specific embryonic antigens (SSEA), among others, are known for being expressed on the surface of pluripotent embryonic stem cells. The lack of certain proteins, or negative markers, are also distinguishing features in some stem cell types. Antibodies for stem cell markers are useful, well-established tools in identifying and investigating these highly sought after cells. As new findings constantly arise, make sure to consult the most recent literature regarding specific protein expression for certain cell types.
This comprehensive infographic provides a detailed comparison of autologous (patient’s own cells) and allogeneic (donor cells) therapies, illuminating their distinct advantages and challenges.
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Both options have value and can complement one another
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Our InvivO2 workstation is packed with innovative features that allow you to study even the most complex cell interactions under perfect physiological oxygen conditions. Whether you’re hoping to replicate the environment of blood vessels or lung ...
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The MACSQuant® Tyto® Cell Sorter brings a gentler, safer, and sterile flow sorting technology to your lab. With the microchip technology at its heart, cells will no longer be exposed to electrical charge, decompression, and fluidic systems....
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We use a NeuN antibody as a marker for mature neurons in different brain regions of the mouse brain. The use of this antibody helps us distinguish neurons from glial cells (e.g., astrocytes and microglia) when verifying cell-specific AAV expression, ...
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We utilize the Iba1 antibody to measure Iba1 expression in mouse brain tissue to detect microglial activation. Iba1 (ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1; encoded by AIF1) is expressed in microglia under basal conditions, but increased Iba1 ...
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