[Plasticity and application of marrow-derived stem cells].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate plasticity of marrow-derived stem cells, possible mechanisms and application.


METHODS
The recent literature concerned plasticity of marrow-derived stem cells was extensively reviewed.


RESULTS
Although stem cells plasticity has not been proven, there is more and more evidence to show that the stem cells may have the plasticity and at least four different mechanisms are explained.


CONCLUSIONS
The extensive research will be required. If the plasticity is proven, adult stem cells can be used for more therapeutic purposes. For example, the use of stem cells from bone marrow may correct genetic or degenerative disorders of a second organ from which stem cells are more difficult to isolate.
Duan
Xiaojun
X
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, PR China.
Zhou
Yue
Y
Yang
Liu
L
D000818:Animals; D001854:Bone Marrow Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*