A functional model for adult stem cells in epithelial tissues.
Tissue turnover, regeneration, and repair take place throughout life. Stem cells are key players in these processes. The characteristics and niches of the stem cell populations in different tissues, and even in related tissues, vary extensively. In this review, stem cell differentiation and stem cell contribution to tissue maintenance and regeneration is compared in the epithelia of the skin, the cornea, the lung, and the intestine. A hierarchical model for adult stem cells is proposed, based on the potency of stem cell subpopulations in a specific tissue. The potency is defined in terms of the maintenance, the repair, and the regeneration of the tissue. The niche supplies cues to maintain the specific stem cell potency.
Verstappen
Jochem
J
Department of Orthodontics and Oral Biology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Katsaros
Christos
C
Torensma
Ruurd
R
Von den Hoff
Johannes W
JW
D053687:Adult Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D000078404:Epidermal Cells; D004817:Epidermis / Q000502:physiology; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D012038:Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D020545:Respiratory Mucosa / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology