Stromal Hücrelerin Tarihçesi: İnterstisyel Cajal Hücrelerinden Telositlere - İnsan Telositlerine ve Olası İşlevlerine Kısa Bir Bakış

Abstract

In the organ microenvironment stromal cells make up an essential population, however research on them has been very limited. The stroma mainly consists of fibroblasts that reside together with mesenchymal cells, endothelial cells, pericytes, neurons, adipocytes, immune cells etc. The different morphologies and functional properties of stromal cells have led to subclassification of different cell types in connective tissue. Among them are the interstitial cells of Cajal and telocytes. Telocytes are one of the newer cells known for their small cell bodies and long telopods and have been recently identified in the connective tissue of many organs. Telocytes are strategically positioned near nerve endings, around blood capillaries and in close relation with particular cells. The network of telocytes is engaged in integrating information from multiple sources and coordinating the tissue homeostasis in response to the tissues local functional requirements. Extracellular vesicles provide a means of bidirectional communication, and their secretome appears to control the mechanisms of stem cell differentiation. Telocytes have been identified in various organs, specifically in human heart, lungs, brain, eye, thyroid, skeletal muscles, skin, salivary glands, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, gallbladder, liver, and organs of the male and female urogenital system. Additionally, given the heterogeneity of the organs in which telocytes are found, and their capability to play a role in the etiopathogenesis of various diseases, the concept of "telocytopathies" has emerged. In conclusion, telocytes are increasingly becoming a focal point for the understanding of idiopathic diseases that affect humans as well as the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and they have the potential to contribute to regenerative medicine.