The Need to Revisit the Definition of Mesenchymal and Adult Stem Cells Based on Their Functional Attributes

Overview

Journal Stem Cell Res Ther

Publisher Biomed Central

Date 2018 Mar 29

PMID 29587828

Citations 16

Authors

Deepa Bhartiya

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

A debate is ongoing about the 'stem cell' status of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). This can easily be resolved based on the definition of a stem cell. 'True' stem cells are expected to undergo asymmetric cell divisions (ACD) whereby they divide to self-renew and give rise to a slightly bigger, differentiated cell. However, MSCs like any other adult tissue-specific stem cells, including hematopoietic (HSCs), spermatogonial (SSCs) and ovarian (OSCs) stem cells, do not undergo ACD; rather they undergo rapid symmetrical cell divisions. The true stem cells in adult tissues are possibly the pluripotent stem cells termed very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs), which were recently shown to undergo ACD to give rise to tissue-specific stem cells 'progenitors' (currently termed 'adult stem cells') that in turn undergo rapid symmetric cell divisions and clonal expansion (sphere formation with incomplete cytokinesis) followed by differentiation into tissue-specific cell types. MSCs can be cultured from any tissue source and are an excellent source of growth factors/cytokines and thus could provide a niche for proper functioning of the stem/progenitor cells.

Citing Articles

Mesenchymal Stem Cells and MSCs-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Infectious Diseases: From Basic Research to Clinical Practice.

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Trans-differentiation of mouse mesenchymal stem cells into pancreatic β-like cells by a traditional anti-diabetic medicinal herb L.

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Editorial: Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Preclinical and Clinical Challenges.

Oliva J, Pacini S, Canals J, Lim M Front Cell Dev Biol. 2022; 10:969178.

PMID: 35923853 PMC: 9339899. DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.969178.

Tissue specific diversity of mesenchymal stem cells - Valuable insights through transcriptome analysis of extracellular vesicles.

J Stem Cells Regen Med. 2022; 17(2):42.

PMID: 35250199 PMC: 8866808. DOI: 10.46582/jsrm.1702006.

Extruded Nucleoli of Human Dental Pulp Cells.

Rusu M, Vrapciu A, Nicolescu M, Stoenescu M, Jianu A, Lighezan R Medicina (Kaunas). 2022; 58(2).

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