Newborn stem cells: identity, function, and clinical potential

There has been no precedent for the excitement and expectation that stem cells offer to millions of patients suffering not only a broad range of severe, life-threatening diseases but also conditions and afflictions that contribute to an unacceptably high level of general suffering in everyday life. This interest was triggered by the discovery in the late 1990s? 2000s of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), which are pluripotent (able to form every cell in the body) [reviewed Trounson, 2006]. Suddenly, there was the potential to treat any disease or degenerative condition. The ensuing explosion in stem cell research, particularly involving the induction of tissue-specific cells from ESCs, has meant that the preclinical to clinical translation is becoming a near term reality. This well-justified excitement, however, has been tempered by three major hurdles: ethical?ESCs are derived from discarded IVF embryos; safety?ESCs can form cancers when injected; practical impediment?unless the stem cells are derived from the patient themselves, they will confront an aggressive immune system and be subjected to rapid rejection. Strategies are now being developed to overcome immune rejection, but also opportunities to use ?self stem cells? are evolving? both adult and newborn.