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Plasticity and hematopoiesis: Circe's transforming potion?
John F Tisdale1, Cynthia E Dunbar
1Molecular and Clinical Hematology Branch, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA. JohnTis@intra.niddk.nih.gov
Current Opinion in Hematology
|June 4, 2002
Summary
Recent studies challenge the long-held belief of fixed mammalian stem cells, revealing potential plasticity. Hematopoietic stem cells are key, but more research, especially in large animals, is needed to confirm true stem cell plasticity.
Area of Science:
- Stem cell biology
- Hematopoiesis
- Tissue regeneration
Background:
- Traditionally, mammalian stem cells were considered irreversibly committed to their specific tissue of origin.
- Emerging research suggests a higher degree of plasticity in adult stem cells than previously understood.
- Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are at the forefront of investigations into stem cell plasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in the rapidly evolving field of stem cell plasticity.
- To discuss the implications of observed stem cell plasticity, particularly concerning hematopoietic stem cells.
- To highlight unresolved issues and future directions for rigorously establishing stem cell plasticity.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature and studies on mammalian stem cell plasticity.
- Analysis of findings primarily from rodent models.
- Discussion of the transition of findings from animal models to human clinical trials.
Main Results:
- Several studies indicate remarkable plasticity of stem cells from various adult tissues, challenging established dogma.
- Findings in rodent models have spurred early-stage clinical trials in humans.
- The rigorous establishment of true stem cell plasticity remains largely unresolved across most studies.
Conclusions:
- While evidence suggests stem cell plasticity, definitive proof is still lacking in many cases.
- Further research is crucial to overcome existing challenges and fully understand stem cell plasticity.
- Large animal models are proposed as essential tools for advancing the field and validating findings.