Abstract
Understanding the global gene expression profile of stem cells and their multilineage differentiation will be essential for their ultimate therapeutic application. Efforts to characterize stem cells have relied on analyzing the genome-wide expression profiles that are biased towards the identification of genes that display the most pronounced differential expression. Rather than being viewed as a “blank” state, recent studies suggest that stem cells express low levels of multiple lineage specific genes prior to differentiation, a phenomenon known as “lineage priming.” It is not likely that low levels of lineage-specific genes produce sufficient amounts of differentiation factors, but rather to provide rapid transcription to a wide range of lineage programs prior to differentiation. Thus, stem cell differentiation may involve the elimination of other potential pathways and the activation of a specific lineage program.
Highlights
The goal of regenerative medicine is to replace or restore normal function of cells, tissues, and organs that are damaged by disease
This review summarizes the methods used to study the expression profiles of stem cells and their differentiated derivatives and discusses possible mechanisms of stem cell differentiation
It is unclear whether the expression is due to non-specific hypertranscription or to allow a rapid up-regulation of a single lineage program when cells differentiate into a particular lineage [11]
Summary
The goal of regenerative medicine is to replace or restore normal function of cells, tissues, and organs that are damaged by disease. Some primary cells cannot be expanded from particular organs, such as the pancreas and brain. In these situations, stem cells are envisioned as an alternative source of cells from which the desired tissue can be produced. Stem cells represent a source of versatile cells with the potential to replace diseased tissues and organs. Adult stem cells have a limited growth and differentiation potential. This is advantageous because they have a lower tendency to form tumors and mixed phenotypes. Analysis of stem cell differentiation requires the expression of transcription factors and lineagespecific genes. Microarrays can be used to explore changes in gene expression during stem cell differentiation. This review summarizes the methods used to study the expression profiles of stem cells and their differentiated derivatives and discusses possible mechanisms of stem cell differentiation
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