Course

Unit 1

Unit 1

Introduction to stem cells, self-renewal, clonality, potency, types of stem cells, differentiation potential of stem cells, basic concepts and definitions, Stem cell Niche: Introduction, concept of stem cell niche and its importance

Unit 2

Unit 2

Embryonic stem cells, defining properties of embryonic stem cells, Human embryonic stem cells, human embryonic germ cells, Adult stem cells, types of adult stem cells, Hematopoietic stem cells: Introduction, definition, sources of HSCs, identification of HSCs, uses of HSCs, Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs): Introduction, sources of MSCs, identification of MSCs, properties of MSCs, uses of MSCs

Unit 3

Unit 3

Introduction, cell cycle kinetics of stem cells in vivo, mammalian cell cycle regulation and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, role of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors in stem cell regulation. Molecular, epigenetic, and genetic control of stem cell differentiation and specializations.

Unit 4

Unit 4

Pluripotency and Induced pluripotency: Introduction, definition, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), potential application of iPSCs

Unit 5

Unit 5

Stem cell application: Introduction, existing and potential clinical use of stem cells, application of stem cells to regenerative medicine.

Unit 6

Unit 6

Controversies in stem cell research: Introduction, ethical issues associated with stem cell research, current controversies surrounding stem cell research.

(45 classes)

Preamble

Stem Cell Basics is a foundational course aimed at providing students with an in-depth understanding of stem cell biology. The course will cover the classification, sources, and unique properties of stem cells, including pluripotency and self-renewal. Emphasis will be placed on both embryonic and adult stem cells and their roles in development and regenerative medicine. Through lectures and discussions, students will gain insights into the potential and challenges of stem cell research.

Course outcomes:

CO1: Describe the fundamental properties of stem cells, including self-renewal, potency, and the concept of the stem cell niche.

CO2: Differentiate between embryonic and adult stem cells, and explain the characteristics and applications of HSCs and MSCs.

CO3: Understand the regulation of stem cells through cell cycle kinetics, genetic, epigenetic, and molecular mechanisms.

CO4: Explain the concept of pluripotency and the generation and potential of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

CO5: Discuss the current and emerging clinical applications of stem cells in regenerative medicine.

CO6: Analyze the ethical concerns and ongoing controversies in the field of stem cell research.

Program outcome

PO1: Bioscience Knowledge

PO2: Problem Analysis

PO3: Design/Development of Solutions

PO4: Conduct Investigations of complex problems

PO5: Modern tools usage

PO6: Bioscientist and Society

PO7: Environment and Sustainability

PO8: Ethics

PO9: Individual & Team work

PO10: Communication

PO11: Project management & Finance

PO12: Lifelong learning

0 – No affinity; 1 – low affinity; 2 – Medium affinity; 3 – High affinity

Program-specific outcome

PSO 1 – Emerging technologies in cell therapy

PSO 2 – Biomolecules in Medicine

PSO 3 – Molecular dysregulation in diseases

PSO 4 – Molecular technology in diagnosis and therapy

PSO 5 – Applying lab discoveries to clinical practice

PSO 6 – Advanced techniques in cell culture, gene editing, and bioprocessing

PSO 7 – Statistical methods to interpret and validate diagnostic results

PSO 8 – Integrate cell therapy into personalized medicine

PSO 9 – GMP and regulatory practices in cell therapy production

PSO 10 – Bioinformatics and biological data use

0 – No affinity; 1 – low affinity; 2 – Medium affinity; 3 – High affinity

Textbook

Lanza, R., Gearhart, J., Hogan, B., Melton, D., Pedersen, R., Thomas, E., & Thomson, J. (2006). Essentials of Stem Cell Biology (2nd ed.). Elsevier/Academic Press.

Reference

Singh, N. (2015). Stem Cell Basics. National Institutes of Health (NIH).