The Stem Cell Lineage Database (SCLD) is a database of resources used to identify cell lineages. The Stem Cell Lineage Database (SCLD) was created by the University of Connecticut in order to have a more user friendly approach to retrieve and share data. The purpose of the Stem Cell Lineage Database is to consolidate the three key components into a database that is accessible and capable of storing information "about cell type gene expression, cell lineage maps and stem cell differentiation protocols for both human and mouse stem cells and endogenous developmental lineages". One of the major factors that separates SCLD from other stem cell databases is that it allows users to edit information pertaining to cell types, markers, and lineages. The database allows user to update information found from the organic developmental stages and it also allows users to discuss experimental practices that altered the stem cells. Stem cells are cells in the body that can divide indefinitely in a culture and can be formulated into specialized cells. In biological research, these cells have become a subject of extensive research. With these cells, scientists will be able to better understand how these cells are differentiated by the process of turning on and off genes. Through this research, scientists will be able to better understand certain diseases such as cancer and how these diseases arise. As stem cell research continues, scientists will need a database to store and share their information and research. Three key components are necessary for this database to be effective: cell type-specific gene expression profiles, anatomical and developmental relationships between cells and tissues and signals important for development and differentiation of stem cells to mature cell types.
Database usage The purpose of the database is to provide an openly available, quick reference for information pertaining to stem cell lineages. Ini the database, researchers can acquire information that can influence the expression(s) of stem cells, such information includes: experimental details such as time required, reagents, and the physical manipulations necessary to transition between cell types. By having this information openly available to the public, it gives researchers a place to meet and share information that could possibly enhance the experimental success of stem cell research as well as provide techniques to influence stem cells down specific pathways. Also, another feature of the database is that it includes information based on in vivo and in vitro lineages. One could go in and compare certain lineage factors between in vivo and in vitro, as well as look at what factors influence the stem cells down specific pathways. One flaw to the system is that anyone can create an account and go into the database and change information. However, if an error or such actions did take place, a person who notices the change to be incorrect can contact the database management and they will conduct the necessary measures to correct it. Currently, the database only includes human and mouse stem cell lineages, but the database hopes to expand into more species. However, they did not specify which species they wanted to expand to. This database could potentially help identify the subcomponents and understand the workings of hematopoiesis. Currently, research is being conducted to identify transcription control on hematopoietic stem cell differentiation. The Stem Cell Lineage Database could help compare stem cell information around the world and eliminate taking a global gene expression profiling approach, which although sufficient, is not as effective as it could be. There are other forms of Stem Cell Databases such as SyStemCell that is used to consolidate information gained by researchers focusing on stem cells. The needs for these databases are increasing with the amount of research being discovered.
Human and mouse homology in stem cells Currently, the SCLD has stem cell information for only human stem cells and mice stem cells. However, the SCLD does have the intentions to add more species to their database. Due to the ethical constraints of conducting stem cell research on humans, the use of mice has been for advances in this field of study. "The most salient ethical values implicated by the use of human participants in research are beneficence (doing good), non‐maleficence (preventing or mitigating harm), fidelity and trust within the fiduciary investigator/participant relationship, personal dignity, and autonomy pertaining to both informed, voluntary, competent decision making and the privacy of personal information". Approximately 70.1% of amino acids are conserved between mice and humans, this allows for many studies in mice to be applied to the human complications. Also when the mouse genome is compared to that of a human genome, approximately 99% has a direct counterpart in the human genome. The two mammals share common similarities because they are derived from a common ancestor that dates back 75 million years ago. Even though this divergence was millions of years ago, only about 300 of the 30,000 genes found in the mouse have no correlation to the human genome. With this research finding, scientists will be able to conduct research in a more ethical and safer way.
Advancements in stem cell research
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