Do stem cells change your DNA? The answer is usually not, but it depends on the specific type of stem cell therapy and how it’s used. Let’s break it down in an easy-to-understand way.

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What Are Stem Cells?

Think of stem cells as the body’s building blocks. They can transform into many types of cells, like muscle, nerve, or blood cells. This makes them super valuable for treating all sorts of conditions, from heart disease to spinal injuries.

We go into more detail on all the different types of Stem Cells here.

Can Stem Cells Change Your DNA?

Here’s how it breaks down:

Do Mesenchymal Stem Cells change your DNA?

No, MSC Cells don’t change your DNA.

If you’re using mesenchymal stem cells, they’re designed to repair tissues without changing your DNA.

So, if you’re having treatment for joint or tendon issues, you don’t have to worry about your genes being altered.

Do Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells change your DNA?

No but iPSC Cells might cause small genetic mutation.

iPSCs are a bit more complex. These stem cells are created by reprogramming adult cells, like skin or blood cells, to become more versatile. Although this process doesn’t directly change your DNA, it might cause small genetic mutations.

A study published by Nature Communications found that iPSCs don’t cause an increase in mutations compared to natural cells, which is good news​.

However, another study showed that reprogramming can sometimes lead to genomic instability, where the DNA structure becomes less stable

What about Gene Therapy and Stem Cells

In some cases, stem cells are combined with gene-editing tools like CRISPR. In these instances, doctors intentionally modify the DNA of the stem cells to fix genetic issues. This is totally different from most other stem cell treatments, and it’s done on purpose to cure genetic conditions like sickle cell anemia or hemophilia.

What Does the Research Say about Stem Cells changing DNA

So, what does the science have to say about DNA changes with stem cells? Let’s dive into a few key studies:

1. Genome.gov published a study showing that iPSCs don’t significantly increase genetic mutations when created, meaning they’re pretty safe in terms of DNA changes
   
   
2. A study from Stem Cell Research & Therapy looked into the genetic stability of different stem cells and found that while iPSCs can lead to minor genetic instability, it doesn’t necessarily mean harmful changes. More research is still needed to fully understand the long-term effects​
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3. Another study from Clinical Epigenetics discusses epigenetic changes in stem cells, which means genes are turned on or off, but your actual DNA sequence stays the same

Conclusion: Should You Worry About DNA Changes?

In short, most Stem Cell Therapies, particularly those using MSCs, won’t change your DNA.

iPSCs and gene-editing treatments, like CRISPR, might involve some genetic changes, but these are either minimal or carefully controlled. So, unless you’re getting a specific therapy designed to modify genes, there’s no need to stress about stem cells altering your DNA.

If you want to know about other side effects, check out our article on potential side effects here.