Detection and Identification of Tissue Stem Cells: Tracking an Elusive Prey

摘要: This chapter discusses the process of detection and identificatin tissue stem cell. Unlike most cell types, cells are defined by virtue their functional characteristics. Essentially, "a is as a does." concept, while accurate, does little to help an unseasoned investigator determine whether they have identified or not. Moreover, use definition imposes biological version Heisenberg uncertainty principle, in order has been isolated, one must manipulate it experimentally, which will almost certainly alter its properties. degree ambiguity makes identification characterization nontrivial task, resulted heated debates between research groups. For be considered bona fide cell, demonstrate significant proliferative capacity, maintain itself over extended period time, able generate large number differentiated progeny regenerate from was derived. While last property cannot demonstrated vitro, can contend that faithful adherence this essential for insight into biology progenitor cells, only means differentiate these two populations. In regard this, enabling robust readout activity absolutely essential. typically achieved employing vitro assay system (such neurosphere assay); although vivo methodologies such serial transplantation also proven sufficient case hematopoietic