What is a stem cell?

Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Developmental Biology
Jonathan M W Slack

Abstract

The historical roots of the stem cell concept are traced with respect to its usage in embryology and in hematology. The modern consensus definition of stem cells, comprising both pluripotent stem cells in culture and tissue-specific stem cells in vivo, is explained and explored. Methods for identifying stem cells are discussed with respect to cell surface markers, telomerase, label retention and transplantability, and properties of the stem cell niche are explored. The CreER method for identifying stem cells in vivo is explained, as is evidence in favor of a stochastic rather than an obligate asymmetric form of cell division. In conclusion, it is found that stem cells do not possess any unique and specific molecular markers; and stem cell behavior depends on the environment of the cell as well as the stem cell's intrinsic qualities. Furthermore, the stochastic mode of division implies that stem cell behavior is a property of a cell population not of an individual cell. In this sense, stem cells do not exist in isolation but only as a part of multicellular system. This article is categorized under: Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Tissue Stem Cells and Niches Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration...Continue Reading

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Citations

Nov 8, 2018·International Journal of Molecular Sciences·Chiara ArgentatiSabata Martino
Nov 5, 2019·Frontiers in Genetics·Jessica Cristina Marín-LleraJesús Chimal-Monroy
Nov 7, 2019·World Journal of Stem Cells·Simone EggenbergerMartin Mueller
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Mar 1, 2021·Life Sciences·Arnab SarkarTapan Kumar Maity
Aug 7, 2021·Biomedicines·Simon ToupanceIsabelle Koscinski
Oct 8, 2021·Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society·Baruch RinkevichBert Hobmayer

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