Adult stem cells: the real root into the embryo?

Eur J Histochem. 2007:51 Suppl 1:101-3.

Abstract

During embryonic development, a pool of cells may become a reserve of undifferentiated cells, the embryo-stolen adult stem cells (ESASC). ESASC may be responsible for adult tissue homeostasis, as well as disease development. Transdifferentiation is a sort of reprogramming of ESASC from one germ layer-derived tissue towards another. Transdifferentiation has been described to take place from mesoderm to ectodermal- or endodermal-derived tissues and viceversa but not from ectodermal- to endodermal-derived tissues. We hypothesise that two different populations of ESASC could exist, the first ecto/mesoblast-committed and the second endo/mesoblast-committed. If confirmed, this hypothesis could lead to new studies on the molecular mechanisms of cell differentiation and to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of a number of diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Adult Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Adult Stem Cells / physiology*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Lineage
  • Embryo, Mammalian / cytology*
  • Embryo, Mammalian / physiology
  • Humans
  • Mesoderm / cytology
  • Mesoderm / physiology
  • Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Wounds and Injuries / therapy*