title: Stochastic dynamics and the evolution of mutations in stem cells.
abstract: Stem cells are the target of mutations that can lead to life threatening diseases. However, stem cell populations tend to be small and therefore clonal expansion of mutant cells is highly sensitive to stochastic fluctuations. The evolutionary dynamics of mutations in these cells is discussed, taking into consideration the impact of such mutations on the reproductive fitness of cells. We show how stochastic effects can explain clinical observations, including extinction of acquired clonal stem cell disorders.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. dingli.david@mayo.edu
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dingli
authors.forename: Jorge M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Pacheco
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009154:Mutation; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D013269:Stochastic Processes