Stem cell plasticity or fusion: two approaches to targeted cell therapy.
The possibility the adult stem cells may be able to differentiate along atypical developmental pathways has garnered widespread attention. Recent papers have demonstrated that some "plasticity" arises as a result of cellular fusion events. This review attempts to highlight and reconcile the current data on both sides of the plasticity debate.
Scott
Edward W
EW
Program in Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida Shands Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL 32610-0232, USA. escott@ufl.edu
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002459:Cell Fusion; D006801:Humans; D008115:Liver Regeneration; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*