Microenvironment directs the life of stem cells
Pentinmikko, N.; Katajisto, P.
Duodecim; Laaketieteellinen Aikakauskirja 130(19): 1965-1972
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 0012-7183 PMID: 25558617 Document Number: 674380
The regeneration of human tissues requires actively dividing tissue-specific stem cells. These cells are maintained and functionally regulated by a specific microenvironment, the stem cell niche. The niche provides protection and produces signals that guide stem cell division and differentiation. As a consequence, the niche plays a significant role in maintaining the tissue throughout life, and thus impaired tissue regeneration associated with aging may be partly due to the non-functional stem cell niche.