"Chromosomal instability in embryonic stem cell cultures"

Abstract

This dissertation is a literature review on stem cells and, more specifically, embryonic stem cells. At the same time, an attempt is made to study their gene instability. First, the characteristics of stem cells are described, as well as their different types (fetal, embryonic, adult, amniotic epithelial and umbilical cord stem cells).

Particular emphasis is placed on adult stem cells and their subcategories, summarising their main properties. This completes the description of stem cells. Next, an analysis of two key features of stem cells, differentiation and self-renewal, as well as their division and plasticity, is carried out. The overview of their biology concludes with a description of the nests and their role in the recruitment of this type of cell. This activity is linked to their more practical use, namely tissue regeneration. It was also considered appropriate to include information on cancer stem cells. Providing their definition and their most well-studied characteristics has made it possible to compare them with normal stem cells. The comparison was extended to their bioactivity and the way they divide. Much of this work is concerned with gene instability. In addition to a description of this term, a detailed description of the DNA damage to which it is associated and the mechanisms that are activated to restore it is also presented.

Finally, based on the existing available literature, the effect of gene instability on embryonic stem cells is investigated. This effect is compared with that of other types of stem cells (iPSC, ASCs). The dissertation concludes with a look at modern Regenerative Medicine and summarizes its achievements so far in the field of stem cells.

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