Directions: For this assignment you will be reading about and answering some questions about stem cells.  Stem cells “are unspecialized [undifferentiated] cells capable of renewing themselves through cell division, sometimes after long periods of inactivity. … Under certain physiologic or experimental conditions, they can be induced to become tissue- or organ-specific cells with special functions,” (http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/pages/basics1.aspx, 2013).  Although most cells in the body are specialized and can only become other, specialized cells, stem cells can differentiate into different types of specialized cells and tissues.

Stem Cell Basics

Stem Cell Basics – Articles

1. Introduction – What are stem cells, and why are they important?
2. What are the potential uses of human stem cells…?

Stem Cell Basics – Questions – Article #1

1. Describe how a stem cell differs from a normal adult cell.
2. Compare embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells.
3. Explain why stem cells are important for organisms.

Stem Cell Basics – Questions – Article #2

1. Explain why turning genes on and off is important when undifferentiated cells become differentiated.
2. Explain how stem cell research could do the following:
   1. Help us to test new drugs.
   2. Allow us to create cell-based therapies.  Include a discussion of the treatment of cardiovascular disease and type I diabetes in your answer.

Stem Cells and Colon Cancer

The Cancer Stem Cell Hypothesis

‘The cancer stem cell hypothesis holds that a fraction of the malignant cells in a tumor have characteristics associated with normal stem cells, namely the ability to self-renew and to give rise to other cell types. The hypothesis also holds that in order to successfully eliminate a tumor, the cancer stem cells must be eliminated as well; if they are not, they could serve as seeds for the tumor to regrow or spread.  “When the cancer stem cell concept was first posited, it was thought that the stem cell subset might coincide with the subset that remains after therapy and that metastasizes,” Markus Frank said. “This subset has historically been a hidden target, because we have not been able to define and isolate it. But therapies capable of killing off those cells at the root of the cancer would be much more effective than those that miss this subset,”‘ (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110608122823.htm, 2013).

Stem Cells and Colon Cancer

1. “Colon Cancer Researchers Target Stem Cells, Discover Viable New Therapeutic Path” (Article)
2. “Scientists discover new approach to treating colorectal cancer” (Video)

Stem Cells and Colon Cancer – Questions

1. Describe the research into the link between stem cells and colorectal cancer.
2. Explain why targeting cancer stem cells is a more effective treatment for colorectal cancer than targeting non-stem cells.