title: Stem cell biology and the plasticity polemic.
abstract: Characterization of a cord blood derived unrestricted somatic stem cell (USSC) with capacity to differentiate into hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic tissues in the absence of cell fusion has highlighted the great potential of stem cell plasticity. A great variety of stem cell types have been defined and even the most pure marrow stem cells are highly heterogeneous. Data suggest that stem cells may exist in a continuum with continually and reversibly changing phenotype. These cells also possess a capacity to produce lung, liver, skin, and skeletal muscle under conditions of tissue injury. Arguments raised against the significance of adult marrow to nonmarrow conversions including the importance of cell fusion appear fallacious. We are at the beginning of an exciting and burgeoning field of research with great clinical potential.
authors.affiliation: Department of Research and the Adele R. Decof Cancer Center, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, RI 02908, USA. pqueensberry@rwmc.org
authors.forename: Peter J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Quesenberry
authors.forename: Gerri
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Dooner
authors.forename: Gerald
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Colvin
authors.forename: Mehrdad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Abedi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001854:Bone Marrow Cells; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002459:Cell Fusion; D019070:Cell Lineage; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*