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Nature 441, 418-419 (25 May 2006) | doi:10.1038/441418b; Published online 24 May 2006

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Stem cells: Good, bad and reformable

Viktor Janzen1 & David T. Scadden1

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The ability of stem cells to continuously supply vast numbers of cells is magnificent, but it can be devastating if it runs amok, as in some tumours. So what makes a normal stem cell turn bad, and can it be redeemed?

The stem cell is a bit like the griffin of mythology — half lion, half eagle; grand and powerful, but potentially monstrous in effect. These essentially unspecialized cells can renew their own population while supplying cells that mature (differentiate) into the specialized cells necessary for all tissues.

  1. Viktor Janzen and David T. Scadden are at the Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
    Email: scadden.david@mgh.harvard.edu

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