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Adult stem cell plasticity: fact or artifact?
1Medical Research Council Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, Cell Biology Unit, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom. m.raff@ucl.ac.uk
Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology
|October 23, 2003
Summary
Adult stem cell plasticity offers hope for cell therapy, but some claims are debated. However, reprogramming differentiated cells via external cues shows promise for regenerative treatments.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Regenerative medicine
- Cell biology
Background:
- Recent interest in stem cells for therapeutic applications.
- Adult stem cells are considered a promising source for cell therapy.
- Debate exists regarding the plasticity of adult stem cells due to reproducibility issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the phenomenon of adult stem cell plasticity.
- To explore the potential of cell reprogramming for regenerative treatments.
- To assess the implications of cell plasticity for future therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on stem cell plasticity.
- Analysis of studies reporting on adult stem cell behavior in different environments.
- Investigation of reprogramming mechanisms involving extracellular cues.
Main Results:
- Some claims of extensive adult stem cell plasticity have been challenged or shown to be misinterpretations.
- Evidence suggests that differentiated cells or their precursors can be reprogrammed.
- Extracellular cues play a role in altering cell character.
Conclusions:
- The plasticity of adult stem cells remains an area of active research and debate.
- Reprogramming of differentiated cells presents viable opportunities for cell therapy.
- Further research is needed to fully understand and harness cell plasticity for regenerative medicine.