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Updated: May 16, 2026
Generation of Aggregates of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells that Show Symmetry Breaking, Polarization and Emergent Collective Behaviour In Vitro
Published on: November 24, 2015
Murine and human very small embryonic-like cells: a perspective
Andreas Heider1, Ralitza Danova-Alt, Dietmar Egger
1Translational Centre for Regenerative Medicine-TRM, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
Abstract:
In 2006, very small embryonic-like (VSEL) stem cells were described as a pluripotent population of prospectively isolated stem cells in adult murine bone marrow (mBM) and human umbilical cord blood (hUCB). While rigorous proof of pluripotency is still lacking, murine VSEL cells have been shown to overlap with an independently identified population of neural crest derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). The presence of primitive mesenchymal precursors within the VSEL cell population may partially explain the findings that have led to the concept of an "embryonic-like" stem cell in mBM. However, our own studies on human VSEL cells revealed very little similarity between murine VSEL cells and their reportedly equivalent population in hUCB. On the contrary, our data strongly suggest that human VSEL cells are an aberrant and inactive population that cannot expand in vitro and has neither embryonic nor adult stem cell like properties. Here we critically re-examine the data supporting stemness and pluripotency of murine and human VSEL cells, respectively.
Insights
Very small embryonic-like (VSEL) stem cells in mice may be mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Human VSEL cells, however, show no stem cell properties and are inactive in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Stem cell biology
- Developmental biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Very small embryonic-like (VSEL) stem cells were identified in murine bone marrow (mBM) and human umbilical cord blood (hUCB) in 2006.
- Murine VSEL cells have been linked to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), suggesting a potential overlap.
- The pluripotency of VSEL cells remains a subject of debate, particularly regarding human populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically re-examine the evidence supporting stemness and pluripotency in both murine and human VSEL cells.
- To compare the characteristics of VSEL cells from murine and human sources.
- To investigate the in vitro behavior and properties of human VSEL cells.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of existing data on murine and human VSEL cells.
- In vitro culture and characterization of human VSEL cell populations.
- Re-evaluation of evidence for pluripotency and stem cell markers.
Main Results:
- Murine VSEL cells show overlap with neural crest-derived MSCs.
- Human VSEL cells demonstrated minimal similarity to murine VSEL cells.
- Human VSEL cells were found to be inactive, unable to expand in vitro, and lacked embryonic or adult stem cell properties.
Conclusions:
- The concept of embryonic-like stem cells in murine bone marrow may be influenced by the presence of mesenchymal precursors.
- Human VSEL cells do not exhibit stem cell characteristics and appear to be an aberrant population.
- Further research is needed to clarify the nature and potential of VSEL cells in different species.
