Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Hannes Klump (RWTH Aachen Medical School)
This lecture offers a comprehensive introduction to the field of stem cell biology. It begins by outlining fundamental characteristics, including the capacities for self-renewal and differentiation, and subsequently addresses the classification of stem cell subtypes according to their developmental potency, as well as the experimental approaches employed to establish their identity as a distinct stem cell. Particular emphasis is placed on embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, in addition to tissue-resident stem cells, exemplified by intestinal and blood-forming (hematopoietic) stem cells. The lecture concludes with a concise overview of the current therapeutic applications of stem cells.