Studies from Stanford University further understanding of stem cell research
December 22nd, 2008
2008 DEC 22 -- According to recent research published in the journal Cell Stem Cell, "Stem cell populations exist in ''niches'' that hold them and regulate their fate decisions. Identification and characterization of these niches is essential for understanding stem cell maintenance and tissue regeneration."
"Here we report on the identification of a novel stem cell niche in Botryllus schlosseri, a colonial urochordate with high stem cell-mediated developmental activities. Using in vivo cell labeling, engraftment, confocal microscopy, and time-lapse imaging, we have identified cells with sternness capabilities in the anterior ventral region of the Botryllus' endostyle. These cells proliferate and migrate to regenerating organs in developing buds and buds of chimeric partners but do not contribute to the germ line. When cells are transplanted from the endostyle region, they contribute to tissue development and induce long-term chimerism in allogeneic tissues. In contrast, cells from other Botryllus' regions do not show comparable sternness capabilities," wrote A. Voskoboynik and colleagues, Stanford University.
The researchers concluded: "Cumulatively, these results define the Botryllus' endostyle region as an adult somatic stem cell niche."
Voskoboynik and colleagues published their study in Cell Stem Cell (Identification of the Endostyle as a Stem Cell Niche in a Colonial Chordate. Cell Stem Cell, 2008;3(4):456-464).
For additional information, contact A. Voskoboynik, Stanford University, School Medical, Institute Stem Cell Biology & Regenerat Medical, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
The publisher's contact information for the journal Cell Stem Cell is: Cell Press, 600 Technology Square, 5TH Floor, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
