Stem Cells: Types, Regulation, and Lineage Tracing

This lecture covers the basics of stem cells, including their self-renewing capacity, different types, and roles during development. It also delves into stem cell regulation within niches, asymmetric cell division, and the impact of signaling and mechanical inputs. The instructor discusses various methods for lineage tracing, such as time-lapse microscopy, CRISPR/Cas9 barcoding, and single-cell RNA sequencing. The lecture explores the potential therapeutic uses of pluripotent stem cells and organoids, highlighting their role in regenerative medicine and disease modeling. Ethical considerations surrounding stem cell research are also addressed, emphasizing the importance of responsible practices.