Versatile stem cells, young and old. A review.
Both embryonic and somatic stem cells have been studied in recent years with particular regard to their differentiation potential. In vitro studies allow a considerable amplification of such cells in culture as well as the induction of commitment in different directions under proper stimulating factors. Moreover, a surprising versatility has been discovered,which makes possible a ;reprogramming' of stem cells into a lineage pathway which may be completely different from the expected direction: for instance, a production of brain cells from blood progenitors has been obtained. It is thus possible to envisage methods of producing in culture sufficient amounts of stem cells, committed to a certain pathway, which can be transplanted in vivo to replace damaged tissues and organs.
Eridani
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Institute of Advanced Biomedical Technology, ITBA, the National Research Council, Milano, Italy, eridani@itba.mi.cnr.it.