Human Genetics and Genetic Diseases

Regenerative biology and Stem Cell research

Regenerative biology involves the restoration or renewal of damaged genes, cells, tissues, organisms or ecosystem that is produced by some natural fluctuations. Regeneration is mediated by gene regulation and it may be complete (same as old tissue) or incomplete (fibrosis). The market value for tissue engineering and regeneration products was $55.9 billion in 2010 and $59.8 billion in 2011, and is expected to reach $89.7 billion by 2016 at a CAGR of 8.4% globally. According to the reports, the market value of regenerative medicine was about $2.5 billion in the US.

Stem cells are undifferentiated biological cells that undergo mitosis to produce more cells, which are found in multicellular organisms. They are of two types, embryonic and adult stem cells. The stem cell treatment was found to be a lifesaving treatment for the patients with solid tumors and blood disorders. Stem cells can be obtained from the umbilical cord after baby’s birth. Possibly they can also be obtained from peripheral blood and bone marrow. According to the reports, in US the availability of stem cell therapy was $15.2 million in 2007 and $16.5 million in 2008 and it is estimated to reach $11 billion by 2020.