Chapter 4

Stem Cells in Endocrinology: Facts and Future

Hugo Mendieta Zeron, Araceli Hinojosa Juarez and Joel Vargas Hernandez

Abstract

The main characteristic of a stem cell is its multipotency that has to be demonstrated experimentally as follows: I) the differentiation pathway can be characterized by specific surface receptor expression; II) it is possible to generate lineage-specific cells in vitro, and III) in a depleted organ the repopulation process can be reached in vivo. In this regard, the scientific activity to propose and improve techniques of stem cell transplant focused on its clinical application in the endocrinological field is being studied extensively. Unfortunately, not a lot is known about stem cell transplantation to cure diseases and we depend a lot on murine studies. The aim of this chapter is to review some of the most important research lines about stem cells that could have a clinical application in endocrinology.

Total Pages: 150-167 (18)

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