Stem Cell Applications: Models, Therapy, and Cloning

This lecture covers the applications of embryonic stem cells (ES cells) in biomedical research, including knock-out and transgenic mouse models for studying development, disease mechanisms, and stem cell behavior. It also explores the potential future applications of ES cells in toxicity screening, drug testing, and therapeutic interventions for genetic and neurodegenerative diseases. The Nobel Prize-winning work on gene modifications in mice using ES cells is discussed. The lecture delves into the types of stem cells, including tissue stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells), highlighting their potential in regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and drug screening. The challenges and promises of using stem cells in cell therapy, tissue repair, and disease modeling are also addressed.