Title:Stem Cells and Nanoparticles in Therapy
Volume: 11
Issue: 5
Author(s): Viteri Marco, Toscano Fernanda, Gavilanes Alex, Torres Arias Marbel and Seqqat Rachid*
Affiliation:
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Laboratorio de Inmunología y Virología, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Av. Gral. Rumiñahui s/n, P.O. Box 171-5-231B, Sangolquí,Ecuador
Keywords:
Stem cells, nanotechnology, bovine mammary stem cells, milk stem cells, nanoparticles, nanomaterials.
Abstract: The application of nanotechnology to stem cell research and development has made great
strides during the last years. Nanotechnology offers a new opportunity for the research and development
of stem cells. The mammary gland is a dynamic organ that undergoes extensive morphogenesis
during the different stages of embryonic development, puberty, pregnancy, lactation and involution.
There are multipotent stem cells that reside in mammary tissue (MaSCs) with the ability to self-renew
and even differentiate into all types of mammary cells. To identify, characterize, and differentiate
MaSCs, a variety of methods have been used to understand the signal transduction pathways that promote
their self-renewal and their cellular fate. In the last decade, stem cell therapy has become a promising
and modern topic of scientific research, which has raised great expectations. However, by itself, it
presents some problems that have been overcome with the use of nanoparticles (NPs). A triple function
has been accomplished: transport of drugs or biomolecules that help in the differentiation and proliferation
of stem cells, cell targeting and contrast agents for real-time monitoring and obtaining bioimages
for diagnostic and detection systems. The main objective of applying stem cells in conjunction
with NPs is to control cellular activity, mainly the regenerative capacity of mammary tissue against
diseases such as mastitis or to optimize milk production. In this review, we provide a current overview
of the application of nanomaterials on stem cells, specifically bovine stem cells in both the mammary
gland and milk, as they are a potential source of cell progenitors with potential characteristics and
could be used in potential therapies based on these cells.
