Stem Cells: Types, Regulation, and Applications

This lecture covers the basic notions about stem cells, including their self-renewing capacity and different types such as totipotent, pluripotent, and multipotent. It also discusses the important roles of stem cells during development and in the adult body, highlighting their presence in various tissues. The lecture delves into the concept of asymmetric cell division in adult stem cell lineages and the significance of spindle positioning. Stem cell niches and the mechanisms regulating stem cell behavior are explored, along with the impact of signaling inputs. The lecture also touches upon the reprogramming of somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and their potential therapeutic applications.