Embryonic stem cell vs Adult stem cell, Pluripotent stem cells vs Multipotent stem cell

Pluripotent stem cells, while having great therapeutic potential, face formidable technical challenges. First, scientists must learn how to control their development into all the different types of cells in the body. Second, the cells now available for research are likely to be rejected by a patient’s immune system. Another serious consideration is that the idea of using stem cells from human embryos or human fetal tissue troubles many people on ethical grounds.

Until recently, there was little evidence that multipotent adult stem cells could change course and provide the flexibility that researchers need in order to address all the medical diseases and disorders they would like to. New findings in animals, however, suggest that even after a stem cell has begun to specialize, it may be more flexible than previously thought.

There are currently several limitations to using adult stem cells. Although many different kinds of multipotent stem cells have been identified, adult stem cells that could give rise to all cell and tissue types have not yet been found. Adult stem cells are often present in only minute quantities and can therefore be difficult to isolate and purify. There is also evidence that they may not have the same capacity to multiply as embryonic stem cells do. Finally, adult stem cells may contain more DNA abnormalities caused by sunlight, toxins, and errors in making more DNA copies during the course of a lifetime. These potential weaknesses might limit the usefulness of adult stem cells.

Autologous stem cell vs Allogeneic stem cells

Autologous stem cells	Allogeneic stem cells
Autologous tissue derived	Allogeneic tissue derived and cell lines
iPSC (induced pluripotent stem cells)
therapeutic cloning (Somatic cell nuclear transfer as SCNT)

Standardized stem cell-based platforms vs Bioengineered stem cell platforms

Natural source stem cell	Bioengineered stem cells
embryonic	iPSC (induced pluripotent stem cells)
adult	therapeutic cloning (Somatic cell nuclear transfer as SCNT)
perinatal	other genetically modified stem cell