[Stem cell, the basis for tissue and organ reconstruction].
Seed cells are prerequisite for reconstruction of artificial tissues/organs by tissue engineering approach. It has been widely accepted that stem cells are the best candidate for tissue engineering. The successful repair of tissue damages with adult stem cell mediated tissue engineering therapy in both animal models and patients has demonstrated the feasibility of using this technique for tissue/organ regeneration. Further studies in allogeneic adult stem cells and the establishment of universal embryonic stem cells will be critical for the industrialization of tissue engineering in future.
Zhang
Wen-jie
WJ
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China.
Cao
Yi-lin
YL
D053687:Adult Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology; D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology; D006801:Humans; D023822:Tissue Engineering