title: Stem cells in the adult pancreas and liver.
abstract: Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can self-renew and generate specialized (functional) cell types. The remarkable ability of stem cells to differentiate towards functional cells makes them suitable modalities in cellular therapy (which means treating diseases with the body's own cells). Potential targets for cellular therapy include diabetes and liver failure. However, in order for stem cells to be clinically useful, we must learn to identify them and to regulate their differentiation. We will use the intestine as a classical example of a stem cell compartment, and then examine the evidence for the existence of adult stem cells in two endodermally derived organs: pancreas and liver. We will review the characteristics of the putative stem cells in these tissues and the transcription factors controlling their differentiation towards functional cell types.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
authors.forename: Zoë D
authors.initials: ZD
authors.lastname: Burke
authors.forename: Shifaan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Thowfeequ
authors.forename: Macarena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Peran
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tosh
mesh_terms: D053687:Adult Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007422:Intestines / Q000166:cytology; D008099:Liver / Q000166:cytology*; D010179:Pancreas / Q000166:cytology*