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Perspectives on the properties of stem cells

Nature Medicine volume 11, pages 1026–1028 (2005)Cite this article

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Much about stem cells is controversial. For example, even the question 'what is a stem cell?' arouses controversy. One definition of stem cells is that they are “primal undifferentiated cells which retain the ability to differentiate into other cell types...[which] allows them to act as a repair system for the body, replenishing other cells as long as the organism is alive”1. This definition is controversial for at least two reasons. First, it could be interpreted to imply that a stem cell is simply an undifferentiated cell that is able to give rise to differentiated descendants (i.e., that 'stem cell' is equivalent to 'progenitor cell'). Second, this definition neglects a crucial property of stem cells—that some of their descendants must retain stem cell properties.

We suggested in 1963 that stem cells have two defining properties that are evident at cell division2. First, progeny arising from division may retain stem properties; that is, the stem cells have made new stem cells, the property called self-renewal. Alternatively, the progeny of stem cell division may have lost the capacity for self-renewal; instead, they may either differentiate or enter into a series of terminal divisions, finally yielding an organized tissue such as an organ or a population of functional blood cells. Beyond these two central properties, stem cells are identified and named according to the function of their descendants (for example, marrow stem cells) or their place in development (for example, adult stem cells or embryonic stem cells). Stem cells also vary in the diversity of their differentiated descendants. Those with unlimited potential are called totipotent stem cells. Equivalent designations are used for cells whose potential is limited (pluripotent stem cells, multipotent stem cells, bipolar stem cells, etc.). Much research forms the basis of these various designations, and questions about the self-renewal potential and the differentiation potential of various kinds of stem cells continue3.

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Acknowledgements

We thank the many talented colleagues who participated in our research programs, our families and mentors for their encouragement, and the research agencies that supported our efforts.

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  1. Ontario Cancer Institute, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, M5G 2M9, Ontario, Canada

    Ernest A McCulloch & James E Till

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  1. Ernest A McCulloch
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McCulloch, E., Till, J. Perspectives on the properties of stem cells. Nat Med 11, 1026–1028 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/nm1005-1026

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