Current Understanding of the Pathways Involved in Adult Stem and Progenitor Cell Migration for Tissue Homeostasis and Repair

The document from May 21, 2016, provides a comprehensive review of the mechanisms and pathways involved in the migration of adult stem and progenitor cells, which is essential for tissue homeostasis and repair. It emphasizes the importance of cell motility in stem cell function, the role of environmental cues and molecular mechanisms such as chemotaxis and growth factors in regulating cell migration, and the impact of alterations in cell motility on disease and aging. The review discusses the physiological significance of stem cell trafficking across various tissues, including hematopoietic, intestinal, skin, muscle, and neural systems, and the role of the extracellular matrix and cell-to-cell communication in guiding cell migration. It also highlights the use of live imaging techniques to study stem cell movement in vivo and the challenges associated with these methods. The document underscores the complexity of stem cell migration and its regulation, which is crucial for developing effective cell-based therapies and advancing regenerative medicine.