What is a stem cell?

Q1 Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Developmental Biology Pub Date : 2018-09-01 Epub Date: 2018-05-15 DOI:10.1002/wdev.323

Jonathan M W Slack

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引用次数: 24

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 > Methods and Principles Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Environmental Control of Stem Cells.

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什么是干细胞?

干细胞概念的历史根源可以追溯到它在胚胎学和血液学中的应用。现代干细胞的共识定义，包括多能干细胞在培养和组织特异性干细胞在体内，解释和探讨。鉴别干细胞的方法讨论了关于细胞表面标记，端粒酶，标记保留和可移植性，并探讨了干细胞生态位的性质。解释了在体内识别干细胞的CreER方法，作为支持随机而不是强制的不对称细胞分裂形式的证据。总之，我们发现干细胞不具有任何独特和特异性的分子标记;干细胞的行为取决于细胞的环境以及干细胞的内在品质。此外，分裂的随机模式意味着干细胞的行为是细胞群体的特性，而不是单个细胞的特性。从这个意义上说，干细胞不是孤立存在的，而只是作为多细胞系统的一部分。本文分类如下:成体干细胞，组织更新和再生>组织干细胞和壁龛成体干细胞，组织更新和再生>成体干细胞，组织更新和再生>方法和原理成体干细胞，组织更新和再生>干细胞环境控制。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Developmental Biology DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY-

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期刊介绍： Developmental biology is concerned with the fundamental question of how a single cell, the fertilized egg, ultimately produces a complex, fully patterned adult organism. This problem is studied on many different biological levels, from the molecular to the organismal. Developed in association with the Society for Developmental Biology, WIREs Developmental Biology will provide a unique interdisciplinary forum dedicated to fostering excellence in research and education and communicating key advances in this important field. The collaborative and integrative ethos of the WIREs model will facilitate connections to related disciplines such as genetics, systems biology, bioengineering, and psychology. The topical coverage of WIREs Developmental Biology includes: Establishment of Spatial and Temporal Patterns; Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies; Signaling Pathways; Early Embryonic Development; Invertebrate Organogenesis; Vertebrate Organogenesis; Nervous System Development; Birth Defects; Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal and Regeneration; Cell Types and Issues Specific to Plants; Comparative Development and Evolution; and Technologies.