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Transdifferentiation of Stem Cells: A Critical View

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Engineering of Stem Cells

Part of the book series: Advances in Biochemical Engineering / Biotechnology ((ABE,volume 114))

Abstract

Recently a large amount of new data on the plasticity of stem cells of various lineages have emerged, providing new perspectives especially for the therapeutic application of adult stem cells. Previously unknown possibilities of cell differentiation beyond the known commitment of a given stem cell have been described using keywords such as “blood to liver,” or “bone to brain.” Controversies on the likelihood, as well as the biological significance, of these conversions almost immediately arose within this young field of stem cell biology. This chapter will concentrate on these controversies and focus on selected examples demonstrating the technical aspects of stem cell transdifferentiation and the evaluation of the tools used to analyze these events.

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Abbreviations

BM:

Bone marrow

BMC:

Bone marrow cells

CAC:

Circulating angiogenic cells

eGFP:

Enhanced green fluorescent protein

EPC:

Endothelial progenitor cells

FISH:

Fluorescence in situ hybridization

GFP:

Green fluorescent protein

HNF:

Hepatocyte nuclear factor

HSC:

Hematopoietic stem cells

HUVEC:

Human umbilical cord vein cells

MAPC:

Multipotent adult progenitor cells

MHC:

Myosin heavy chain

MNC:

Mononuclear cells

MSC:

Mesenchymal stem cells

NOD-SCID:

Nonobese diabetic severe combined immunodeficient

NRCM:

Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes

USSC:

Unrestricted somatic stem cells

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  1. Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs LEBAO, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany

    Ina Gruh & Ulrich Martin

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    Ulrich Martin

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Gruh, I., Martin, U. (2009). Transdifferentiation of Stem Cells: A Critical View. In: Martin, U. (eds) Engineering of Stem Cells. Advances in Biochemical Engineering / Biotechnology, vol 114. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/10_2008_49

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