multipotent
Multipotent refers to a type of stem cell that has the ability to develop into multiple, but limited, cell types. These cells are more specialized than pluripotent stem cells, which can become any cell type in the body. An example of multipotent cells is hematopoietic stem cells, which can differentiate into various types of blood cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Multipotent stem cells play a crucial role in tissue repair and regeneration. They are found in specific tissues, such as bone marrow and umbilical cord blood, where they help maintain and replenish the cell types needed for proper function. Their limited differentiation potential makes them important for targeted therapies in regenerative medicine.