Int J Stem Cells.  2019 Mar;12(1):1-7. 10.15283/ijsc18096.

Toward a Reconceptualization of Stem Cells from Cellular Plasticity

• Liu T
• Chen L
• Zhao Z
• Zhang S

• KMID: 2447219
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.15283/ijsc18096

Abstract

The slow progress in clinical applications of stem cells and the bewildering mechanisms involved have puzzled many researchers. Recently, the increasing evidences have indicated that cells have superior plasticity in vivo or in vitro, spontaneously or under extrinsic specific inducers. The concept of stem cells may be challenged, or even replaced by the concept of cell plasticity when cell reprogramming technology is progressing rapidly. The characteristics of stem cells are manifestations of cellular plasticity. Incorrect understanding of the concept of stem cells hinders the clinical application of so-called stem cells. Understanding cellular plasticity is important for understanding and treating disease. The above issues will be discussed in detail to prove the reconceptualization of stem cells from cellular plasticity.

Keyword

Stem cells; Plasticity; Differentiation; Dedifferentiation; Transdifferentiation

MeSH Terms

Cell Plasticity*
Cellular Reprogramming
In Vitro Techniques
Plastics
Stem Cells*
Plastics

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 A schematic diagram of the extensiveness of cellular plasticity. In theory, cells can transform directly or indirectly to any type of cells through differentiation, dedifferentiation, transdifferentiation or reprogramming.

Reference

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