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Stem cells have the unique capacity to self-renew and differentiate into a wide array of more specialized cells during development, but also to maintain homeostasis and to support tissue regeneration. Thus stem cells and their more differentiated derivatives are attractive models for studying development and disease, and represent a potential source for cell replacement therapies. Nature Cell Biology presents a series of commissioned articles that discuss recent advances, challenges and controversies in stem cell research. An accompanying online library contains research articles on this topic published in the past eighteen months by Nature Cell Biology and other Nature journals.
Stem cell biology has emerged as one of the most exciting areas of basic and biomedical research. This month, we launch a series of specially commissioned articles that discuss recent advances and challenges in this field.
Barker and colleagues review the history and recent developments of organoid cultures derived from pluripotent stem cells and adult epithelia, and discuss how the technology can be used for basic research as well as translational applications.
Passegué and colleagues discuss recent advances in our understanding of the metabolic control of stem cell function, and how stem cell metabolism relates to homeostasis and ageing.
De novo generation of haematopoietic stem cells from different human pluripotent stem cell sources remains a high priority for haematology and regenerative medicine. At present, efficient derivation of functional haematopoietic stem cells with the capability for definitive in vivo engraftment and multi-lineage potential remains challenging. Here, we discuss recent progress and strategies to overcome obstacles that have thwarted past efforts. In addition, we review promising advances in the generation of mature blood lineages and the potential of induced pluripotent stem cells.
Visvader and Clevers discuss how stem cells from different tissues, such as the intestine, mammary gland and skeletal muscle, follow different strategies and hierarchies to maintain their complex, tissue-specific balance.