Toward an understanding of the physiological function of mammalian stem cells

Nancy M. Joseph, Sean J. Morrison

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

82 Scopus citations

Abstract

Stem cell biology has the potential to yield new therapies, new insights into disease, and a clearer understanding of tissue formation and maintenance. However, much of what we know about many stem cells is based upon experiments performed in culture. Stem cells sometimes exhibit critical differences in their properties or regulation between the culture and in vivo environments. Though cell lines with stem cell properties can be derived from the long-term culture of diverse tissues, it is not clear whether cells with similar properties exist in vivo. If the goal is to use differentiated cells for therapy or drug screening, it may not matter whether these stem cells exist in vivo. However, to understand tissue development/maintenance or the role of stem cells in disease, it is important to characterize progenitor function in vivo to evaluate physiological significance.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)173-183
Number of pages11
JournalDevelopmental cell
Volume9
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2005

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology

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