The 'immortal strand' hypothesis has been proposed as a mechanism by which adult stem cells minimize accumulation of mutations. This is achieved by selectively retain chromosomes containing 'old' DNA, as shown by the analysis of the DNA strands that incorporated radioactive label or a nucleotide analogue such as bromodeoxyuridine. A new important contribution to this ongoing debate shows that 'the immortal strand' model does not apply to haematopoietic stem cells and BrdU label retention should not be viewed as a fundamental characteristic of stem cells.
- Mark J. Kiel
- Shenghui He
- Sean J. Morrison
