Glossary of Terms

Adult Stem Cells / Embryonic Stem Cells Adult Stem Cells are those derived from a developed individual as opposed to Embryonic Stem Cells which are derived from an embryo.  The primary role of adult stem cells within a living organism is to repair and maintain the tissue in which they are found.

Embryonic stem cells have the ability to become all cell types of the body, whereas, until recently, it was thought that adult stem cells from a particular tissue could only differentiate into mature cells for that tissue.
Allogeneic transplant  /  Autologous transplant Stem cells can either be reinfused into the same individual that the cells were collected from (autologous) or transplanted into another matched individual (allogeneic).  Allogeneic transplants can either be to a related or unrelated person.
Antibody A class of protein formed in the body in response to the presence of antigens. By becoming attached to antigens on infectious organisms, antibodies can render them harmless or cause them to be destroyed.
Antigen A substance that, when introduced into the body, stimulates the production of an antibody.  Antigens include toxins, bacteria, foreign blood cells and the cells of transplanted organs.
Apoptosis Programmed cell death.  Apoptosis is a normal component of the development and health of all organisms.  Sometimes referred to as "cell suicide" apoptosis is a process in which cells play an active role in their own death - for the benefit of the organism.
Bone Marrow

This is the spongy, flexible interior found in the hollow interior of long bones, which is responsible for producing new blood cells.  The different blood cells produced by the bone marrow are:

  • Red blood cells - responsible for carrying Oxygen around the body.
  • White blood cells - make up the body's immune system and are important for fighting infection
  • Platelets  -  required for clotting.  
CD34 positive cell CD34 positive cells are normally found in the umbilical cord and bone marrow as blood forming cells.  The amount of CD34 positive cells is determined by ASCH in each cord blood sample processed.
Cell Viability Is the determination of living or dead cells within the cord blood sample.
Chemotherapy Is the use of medication to treat disease.  Most chemotherapy drugs interfere with the ability of cells to grow or multiply.
Contamination Pollution of the cord blood sample by bacterial, viral or other environmental factors present at the time of cord blood collection.  Aseptic collection technique and adequate cleaning of the cord will prevent contamination of the cord blood sample in the great majority of cases.
Cryopreservation Is the process whereby cells or whole tissues are preserved by cooling to low, sub-zero temperatures.  At these low temperatures, any biological activity, including the biochemical reactions that would lead to cell death are effectively stopped.
Differentiation Is one of the two unique properties of stem cells and refers to their ability to make mature cells of various types within the body.
DNA  (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) Carries genetic information and determines the make up of all living cells.
Embryo  /  Fetus Human development is divided into an embryonic period and a fetal period. Embryo - relates to the period from fertilisation until the end of the eighth week after fertilisation. A fetus is the term for a developing infant after this period.
Genome All of the genetic information and all of the hereditary material possessed by an organism.
GvHD  -  Graft versus Host Disease Is a common complication of allogeneic stem cell transplantation in which the newly transplanted cells attack the transplant recipient's body. 
Graft versus Leukaemia effect (The beneficial aspect of Graft vs Host disease).  As part of the transplant process, donor T cells may recognise any leukaemic cells remaining after the stem cell transplant, allowing GvHD to destroy these cells and reduce the risk of relapse. 
Granulocytes A type of white blood cell - part of the immune system - filled with microscopic granules containing enzymes that digest micro-organisms.
HLA Typing  -  (Human Leucocyte Antigen) Human Leucocyte Antigen refers to the tissue type matching required for transplantation purposes.  The HLA antigens detected on the surface of leucocytes (white cells) regulates how the body recognises and rejects foreign tissue.
Leucocytes White blood cells are cells of the immune system which defend the body against infectious disease and foreign materials.  They are produced in the bone marrow by haematopoietic stem cells.
MISCL  -  Monash Immunology Stem Cell Laboratories Monash Immunology Stem Cell Laboratories is a collaboration of researchers who seek to develop treatments utilising both stem cells and knowledge of our body's immune system.  Investigators at MISCL study adult stem cells and applications for repair or regeneration of blood, pancreatic, respiratory, liver, reproductive, thymic, renal and neural tissues.  This is complemented by the study of human reproduction, oocyte formation and embryology.  Some of MISCL's researchers focus on the immune system for induction of transplantation, immune tolerance, correction of autoimmunity, reversal of immunodeficiency as well as treatments for cancer.  MISCL is a centre of research excellence within the School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.
(http://www.med.monash.edu.au/miscl)
Plasticity Stem cell plasticity refers to the apparent ability of adult stem cells from one tissue generating the specialised cells of another tissue.  It is thought to occur in response to tissue damage and to contribute to repair of tissues other that the ones they originated from.
Peripheral Blood Stem Cells Whilst most blood stem cells are found in the bone marrow, a small number are present in the blood stream.  These multipotent peripheral blood stem cells can be used in the same way as bone marrow stem cells to treat leukaemia and various blood diseases.

 
Placenta The vascular organ that connects the developing fetus to the mother's uterus.  As well as allowing transfer of nutrients to the fetus and the return of waste products, the placenta produces hormones that aid in growth and development of the and provides protection against bacterial infection.
Stem Cell Potency

Stem cells fall into three categories of potency, or their ability to differentiate into other cell types, depending on their stage of development. 

  • Totipotent: The master cell of humans. Each cell can develop into an entire new human.
  • Pluripotent: Cells can form ANY cell type.
  • Multipotent:  Cells that have already differentiated but can still form a limited number of other tissues. 
Umbilical Cord Is the cordlike structure connecting the developing fetus at the abdomen to the placenta.  It's main function is to carry nourishment and oxygen from the placenta to the fetus and return waste products from the fetus to the placenta.  Following the birth of the baby, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut allowing the cord blood stem cells to be easily collected.