The functional activity of stem cells defines the formation of tissues during embryonic development and tissue renewal in adults. In recent years, this area of study has received increased interest due to the development of different single-cell approaches in biology. We now understand that stem cells are not just progenitors, but are capable of regulating their host tissue’s function. This includes regulation of proliferation, migration, and differentiation of other cells, as well as secretion of paracrine factors, extracellular vesicles, and regulatory microRNAs. With so many different functions attributed to stem cells, it is difficult to believe that stem cells are a homogenous population. Indeed, it has been shown that subpopulations exist within a pool of stem cells, where each performs a distinct function using unique regulatory mechanisms.
This functional heterogeneity of stem cells has created new challenges for studies in this field. Classical research techniques which averaged the signal of many cells have limited scope, as they fail to recognize the subpopulation of stem cells. In order to improve approaches to cell therapy and regenerative medicine, it is vital to be able to identify and separate stem cells based on their function and vital markers, to understand the mechanisms controlling their differentiation and signaling activity. The aim of this research topic is to begin discussions on this, by presenting original views on all aspects of functional heterogeneity within stem cells.
We invite submissions of original research manuscripts as well as reviews, that cover but are not restricted to these areas:
- Links between the phenotype of stem cells and their functions;
- Analysis of subpopulations of stem cells based on a combination of single-cell RNAseq and functional tests;
- Regulation of stem cell heterogeneity by hormones, paracrine factors, extracellular vesicles, and secretory microRNAs;
- Influence of cellular senescence and metabolic disorders on the sub-population composition of stem cells.
The functional activity of stem cells defines the formation of tissues during embryonic development and tissue renewal in adults. In recent years, this area of study has received increased interest due to the development of different single-cell approaches in biology. We now understand that stem cells are not just progenitors, but are capable of regulating their host tissue’s function. This includes regulation of proliferation, migration, and differentiation of other cells, as well as secretion of paracrine factors, extracellular vesicles, and regulatory microRNAs. With so many different functions attributed to stem cells, it is difficult to believe that stem cells are a homogenous population. Indeed, it has been shown that subpopulations exist within a pool of stem cells, where each performs a distinct function using unique regulatory mechanisms.
This functional heterogeneity of stem cells has created new challenges for studies in this field. Classical research techniques which averaged the signal of many cells have limited scope, as they fail to recognize the subpopulation of stem cells. In order to improve approaches to cell therapy and regenerative medicine, it is vital to be able to identify and separate stem cells based on their function and vital markers, to understand the mechanisms controlling their differentiation and signaling activity. The aim of this research topic is to begin discussions on this, by presenting original views on all aspects of functional heterogeneity within stem cells.
We invite submissions of original research manuscripts as well as reviews, that cover but are not restricted to these areas:
- Links between the phenotype of stem cells and their functions;
- Analysis of subpopulations of stem cells based on a combination of single-cell RNAseq and functional tests;
- Regulation of stem cell heterogeneity by hormones, paracrine factors, extracellular vesicles, and secretory microRNAs;
- Influence of cellular senescence and metabolic disorders on the sub-population composition of stem cells.