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Assessing Stem Cell DNA Integrity for Cardiac Cell Therapy
Published on: January 25, 2019
Stem cells, DNA damage, ageing and cancer
1Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA. senthilp@musc.edu
Abstract:
A comprehensive knowledge of adult stem cells not only sheds light on their significant roles in many fundamental biological process, but also on their implications in a variety of deleterious disorders including leukemia, lymphoma, ageing and other relevant degenerative disorders. Elucidating the diverse signaling pathways in stem cells paves the way for development of targeted therapeutic approaches against degenerative disorders. Despite emerging studies, our understanding of the key molecular machineries that profoundly influence key stem cell properties is poor. This review discusses the seminal aspects of stem cell self-renewal mechanisms with an emphasis on various influencing factors, including DNA damage, and intrinsic and extrinsic factors that govern the significant characteristics of tissue stem cells under normal and stress conditions. Also outlined are intriguing aspects of how molecular interventions in key stem cell pathways could be exploited to develop novel therapies against stem cell disorders.
Insights
Adult stem cells are crucial for biological processes and implicated in diseases like leukemia and aging. Understanding their self-renewal mechanisms offers potential for novel therapies against stem cell disorders.
Area of Science:
- Adult stem cell biology
- Molecular mechanisms of self-renewal
- Regenerative medicine
Background:
- Adult stem cells play vital roles in tissue homeostasis and repair.
- Dysregulation of stem cell properties contributes to aging and diseases such as leukemia and lymphoma.
- Current understanding of molecular control over stem cell self-renewal remains incomplete.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the fundamental aspects of adult stem cell self-renewal.
- To highlight factors influencing stem cell characteristics under normal and stress conditions.
- To explore therapeutic potential of targeting stem cell pathways.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of seminal studies on stem cell self-renewal.
- Analysis of intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting tissue stem cells.
- Discussion of molecular interventions in stem cell signaling.
Main Results:
- Stem cell self-renewal is governed by complex molecular machinery.
- DNA damage, intrinsic, and extrinsic factors critically influence stem cell behavior.
- Signaling pathways offer targets for therapeutic strategies.
Conclusions:
- A deeper understanding of stem cell self-renewal is essential for addressing degenerative disorders.
- Targeting molecular pathways in stem cells holds promise for novel therapeutic approaches.
- Further research into stem cell mechanisms can advance treatments for various diseases.
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