Stem Cell Properties
Stem Cell Properties - Related Videos
06:20
Assessment of the Immunomodulatory Properties of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)
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Cited by 13 •
2015
The immunomodulatory properties of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) appear increasingly relevant for clinical application. Using a co-culture system of MSCs and peripheral blood leukocytes pre-stained with the fluorescent dye carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE), we describe the in vitro assessment of MSC immunomodulation on effector leukocyte proliferation and specific subpopulations.
22:06
Derivation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells from Murine Embryonic Stem Cells
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Cited by 8 •
2007
This protocol details the derivation of transplantable hematopoietic stem cells from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESC) and their subsequent injection into lethally irradiated recipient mice. Briefly, ESC are differentiated as embryoid bodies, which are then infected with retroviral HoxB4 and co-cultured with OP9 stromal cells and hematopoietic cytokines.
08:39
Evaluation of Stem Cell Properties in Human Ovarian Carcinoma Cells Using Multi and Single Cell-based Spheres Assays
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Cited by 8 •
2015
In vitro spheres assays are commonly used to identify cancer stem cells. Here we compare single with multi cell-based spheres assays. The more laborious single cell-based assays or methylcellulose supplementation give more accurate results while multi cell-based assays performed in liquid medium can be highly influenced by cell density.
20:38
Isolation and Transplantation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs)
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Cited by 31 •
2007
10:24
Transfecting and Nucleofecting Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
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Cited by 26 •
2011
Despite recent advancements in genetic modification, transfection of human embryonic stem cells (HESCs) remains a capricious process. To our knowledge, systematic and efficient methods to transfect human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have not been reported. Here, we describe robust protocols to efficiently transfect and nucleofect human iPSCs.
FAQs
Self-renewal expands or preserves the stem cell pool, whereas differentiation directs descendants toward specialized cell types. Coordinating these outcomes prevents stem cells from being depleted while still supplying cells needed for development or tissue maintenance. The balance depends on intrinsic gene regulation and signals from the surrounding niche, which help determine how descendants behave.
Asymmetric division allows one cell division to produce two different outcomes: one daughter retains stem cell characteristics, while the other begins a path toward specialization. This arrangement links population maintenance with the generation of new functional cells. As a result, tissues can preserve a source of stem cells while continuing to support growth, repair, or normal biological turnover.
Signals from the surrounding niche help regulate whether stem cells maintain their existing state or produce descendants with different properties. The niche therefore provides environmental information that works together with cell-intrinsic gene regulation. Changes in these signals can influence stem cell potency and behavior, making the local tissue environment important for development, maintenance, and regenerative biology.
Cell-intrinsic gene regulation helps establish and maintain the molecular programs associated with self-renewal and differentiation. These programs influence whether a cell preserves stem cell characteristics or acquires a specialized identity. Their interaction with niche-derived signals allows stem cells to respond to developmental or tissue conditions, linking internal cellular control with the surrounding biological environment.
During embryonic development, stem cell properties help generate specialized cell types from a less specialized population. In established tissues, the same general capabilities support ongoing maintenance by supplying cells while preserving a stem cell source. Studying these relationships helps biology connect cellular behavior with larger processes such as growth, organization, and tissue continuity.
Stem cell properties make it possible to study how cells maintain themselves, change identity, and generate specialized descendants in controlled research settings. These biological behaviors can inform disease modeling by helping researchers examine relevant cell types and processes. They also support drug testing by providing a framework for evaluating how treatments affect cellular states and differentiation-related outcomes.
Self-renewal and regulated differentiation are central to regenerative biology because they connect the preservation of a cell source with the production of specialized cells. Understanding these properties can guide research on tissue repair and potential cell-based therapies. It also helps researchers consider how intrinsic regulation and niche signals may influence the behavior of cells used in regenerative approaches.