Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026

Isolation of Quiescent Stem Cell Populations from Individual Skeletal Muscles
Published on: December 9, 2022
Molecular regulation of stem cell quiescence
1Paul F. Glenn Laboratories for the Biology of Aging, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA.
Abstract:
Subsets of mammalian adult stem cells reside in the quiescent state for prolonged periods of time. This state, which is reversible, has long been viewed as dormant and with minimal basal activity. Recent advances in adult stem cell isolation have provided insights into the epigenetic, transcriptional and post-transcriptional control of quiescence and suggest that quiescence is an actively maintained state in which signalling pathways are involved in maintaining a poised state that allows rapid activation. Deciphering the molecular mechanisms regulating adult stem cell quiescence will increase our understanding of tissue regeneration mechanisms and how they are dysregulated in pathological conditions and in ageing.
Related Concept Videos
Multipotency of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Maintenance of the ES Cell State
Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Stem Cell Niche
Lineage Commitment
Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells
Compact chromatin makes reprogramming difficult. Enzymes, such as histone demethylases and acetyltransferases, are often added during reprogramming to loosen the chromatin, making the DNA more accessible to transcription factors. Molecules that inhibit histone...

