title: Of Cytometry, Stem Cells and Fountain of Youth.
abstract: Outlined are advances of cytometry applications to identify and sort stem cells, of laser scanning cytometry and ImageStream imaging instrumentation to further analyze morphometry of these cells, and of mass cytometry to classify a multitude of cellular markers in large cell populations. Reviewed are different types of stem cells, including potential candidates for cancer stem cells, with respect to their "stemness", and other characteristics. Appraised is further progress in identification and isolation of the "very small embryonic-like stem cells" (VSELs) and their autogenous transplantation for tissue repair and geroprotection. Also assessed is a function of hyaluronic acid, the major stem cells niche component, as a guardian and controller of stem cells. Briefly appraised are recent advances and challenges in the application of stem cells in regenerative medicine and oncology and their future role in different disciplines of medicine, including geriatrics.
authors.affiliation: Praesum Healthcare Services, Lake Worth, FL, 33461, USA.
authors.forename: Dariusz
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Galkowski
authors.affiliation: Stem Cell Institute at James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
authors.forename: Mariusz Z
authors.initials: MZ
authors.lastname: Ratajczak
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University in Lublin, 20-080, Lublin, Poland.
authors.forename: Janusz
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kocki
authors.affiliation: Brander Cancer Research Institute and Department of Pathology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10095, USA. z_darzynkiewicz@nymc.edu.
authors.forename: Zbigniew
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-2040-7081
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Darzynkiewicz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D055153:Stem Cell Niche; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism*
keywords: Aging; Cancer stem cells; Geroprotection; Regenerative medicine; Side population; Stem cell markers; Stem cells; VSELs; Very small embryonic-like stem cells