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PMID: 17132873 Published · ppublish English Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Review

Stem cell plasticity: the debate begins to clarify.

Stem cell reviews ·Vol. 1 ·No. 1 ·2005-00-00 ·Pages 37-43

Spyridonidis A, Zeiser R, Follo M, Metaxas Y, Finke J

Abstract

The stem cell story begins with the recognition of the regenerative powers of the head of the Lernean Hydra and the human liver (Prometheus) by the ancient Greeks. In modern times, the adult human stem cell has been epitomized by the hematopoietic stem cell in the bone marrow. More recently, bone marrow derived cells were reported to contribute to nonhematopoietic organs, suggesting a level of plasticity not previously expected. However, other reports failed to repeat some of these results, resulting in a heated debate on the plasticity of adult stem cells that has crossed over into the public domain and become a matter of political impact on the use of embryonic vs adult stem cells for organ regeneration or gene therapy. This review discusses the current status of the "plasticity" debate and presents existing data on detection methodology, underlying mechanisms, physiological implications, and clinical significance.

MeSH Terms
Clinical Trials as Topic Epithelial Cells/cytology,physiology Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Humans Regeneration Stem Cell Transplantation Stem Cells/cytology,physiology Transplantation Chimera
Authors & Affiliations
5 authors, click to expand affiliations / ORCID
Spyridonidis Alexandros
Freiburg University Medical Center, Department of Hematology/Oncology, Hugstetter Strasse 55, Freiburg, Germany. spyridonidis@mm11.ukl.uni-freiberg.de
Zeiser Robert
Follo Marie
Metaxas Yannis
Finke Jürgen
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Article Info
Journal
Stem cell reviews
Abbr.
Stem Cell Rev
ISSN
1550-8943
DOI
10.1385/scr:1:1:037
Email
spyridonidis@mm11.ukl.uni-freiberg.de
Published
2005-00-00
Pages
37-43
Language
English
Region
United States
NLM ID
101255952
Subset
IM
External Links
PubMed source DOI: 10.1385/scr:1:1:037 View journal details
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