TLDR Deregulation of stem cell function is central to the development of some cancers.
The 2010 document "Normal stem cells and cancer stem cells: similar and different" discussed the similarities and differences between normal stem cells and cancer stem cells. The paper highlighted that both types of cells share a common interest in cell proliferation, particularly self-renewal, a characteristic of stem cells. The document also reviewed different models of cancer propagation, including the cancer stem cell model, the clonal evolution model, and the interconversion model. It emphasized that these models are not mutually exclusive. The paper also discussed the importance of maintaining genomic integrity in normal stem cells and tumorigenic cells, the ability of some normal tissue stem cells to interconvert between different functional states, and the process of cellular differentiation in both types of cells. The document concluded that a greater understanding of stem cells has led to the realization that deregulation of stem cell function plays a central role in the genesis of some cancers.
829 citations,
May 2007 in “Nature” Hair follicles can regrow in wounded adult mouse skin using a process like embryo development.
949 citations,
January 2001 in “Cell” Adult mouse skin contains stem cells that can create new hair, skin, and oil glands.
1010 citations,
August 2000 in “Cell” Hair follicle stem cells can form both hair follicles and skin.
194 citations,
May 2000 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” The hedgehog signaling pathway is crucial for hair growth but not for the initial creation of hair follicles.
231 citations,
October 1999 in “Journal of Clinical Investigation” Activating the Sonic hedgehog gene in mice can start the hair growth phase.
179 citations,
July 2016 in “Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology” Epigenetic changes control how adult stem cells work and can lead to diseases like cancer if they go wrong.
Skin stem cells are crucial for maintaining and repairing skin, with potential for treating skin disorders and improving wound healing.
318 citations,
January 2022 in “Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy” The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is important for body functions and diseases, and targeting it may treat conditions like cancer, but with safety challenges.
124 citations,
February 2018 in “Nature Reviews Genetics” Stem cell plasticity is crucial for wound healing but can also contribute to cancer development.
163 citations,
March 2012 in “BMC biology” Stem cell niches support, regulate, and coordinate stem cell functions.
69 citations,
August 1999 in “Developmental biology” The nude gene causes skin cell overgrowth and improper development, leading to hair and urinary issues.
