Umbilical Stem Cells

Banking Umbilical Stem Cells

Every cell in the body starts as a stem cell. A stem cell is a cell without a 'job'. Meaning that it can become a different body part depending on the signals it receives. Once a stem cell begins to receive signals, then certain genes are 'turned on' based on the signal. Once these genes are functioning, the cell then differentiates, thus becoming what the signals and genes are telling it to be.

Although umbilical stem cells are at an early stage, they are not the youngest or most versatile stem cells available. They are, however very useful in many areas of research or medicine to help cure or repair damaged body tissues. Stem cells are the building blocks of all tissue in the body.

Prior to umbilical cord stem cells, there come early embryonic stem cells. These are the most versatile, meaning that they are in the earliest stages of development. They are called totipotent because they can become any kind or type of cell in the human body. Seven days following fertilization, blastocyst embryonic stem cells are seen.

These are referred to as pluripotent because they can become most any kind or type of cell in the body, but because they are older, they do have some limitations. Fetal stem cells fall under this same category.

The stem cells discussed above are all stem cells that are developing prior to full-term delivery of a newborn. This makes harvesting them, to some, a problem. Following delivery of the child you will have umbilical stem cells.

These are considered multipotent because they have the potential to become different cell types, although their versatility is very limited compared to the younger stem cells. These cells are genetically related to the child and this limits their range of cell type. The oldest stem cells are termed adult stem cells and are considered multipotent also.

Because of the number of ailments that can be helped with stem cells, blood banking has gained great popularity. When a new born is delivered the Umbilical Stem Cells remain in the umbilicus, that is removed from the infant, and the placenta.

Instead of discarding this, as was the practice for many years, it can be saved and sent to a lab that is willing to save and store the umbilical stem cells. Usually this has to be decided in advance of the delivery and there is a cost attached to it. Many new parents are opting for this type of banking in case the child needs these stem cells in the future.