Open AccessRedox Regulation of Stem and Progenitor Cells
Author(s) -
Laura S. Haneline
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
antioxidants and redox signaling
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.277
H-Index - 190
eISSN - 1557-7716
pISSN - 1523-0864
DOI - 10.1089/ars.2008.2141
Subject(s) - stem cell , progenitor cell , embryonic stem cell , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , induced pluripotent stem cell , endothelial stem cell , cancer stem cell , adult stem cell , progenitor , genetics , in vitro , gene
The field of stem and progenitor cell biology is expanding. Much of the enthusiasm is based on the potential of using stem and progenitor cells as a cellular therapy for the treatment of human disease. Although the concept of using human embryonic stem cells for therapeutic indications is intriguing, significant challenges face investigators pursuing research in this area. Therefore, renewed scientific energy is focusing on the molecular pathways that differentiate a pluripotent embryonic stem cell from more-committed tissue-specific cells. Molecular mechanisms that govern tissue-specific stem and progenitor cell function are also topics of intense investigation, given that altered function of these cells may promote a variety of human pathologies including aging, vascular disease, and cancer. Considerable progress has been made, but a clear identification of the molecular signatures of stem and progenitor cells remains elusive. A growing body of literature demonstrates that distinct functional characteristics of stem and progenitor cells are under redox regulation. In this Forum Issue, evidence for redox regulation of tissue-specific stem and progenitor cells involved in hematopoiesis and vasculogenesis/angiogenesis is presented.