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Asymmetric and symmetric stem-cell divisions in development and cancer

Author

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  • Sean J. Morrison

    (Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Life Sciences Institute, and Center for Stem Cell Biology, University of Michigan)

  • Judith Kimble

    (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

Abstract

Listen to an interview with Sean Morrison on the stem cells podcast Much has been made of the idea that asymmetric cell division is a defining characteristic of stem cells that enables them to simultaneously perpetuate themselves (self-renew) and generate differentiated progeny. Yet many stem cells can divide symmetrically, particularly when they are expanding in number during development or after injury. Thus, asymmetric division is not necessary for stem-cell identity but rather is a tool that stem cells can use to maintain appropriate numbers of progeny. The facultative use of symmetric or asymmetric divisions by stem cells may be a key adaptation that is crucial for adult regenerative capacity.

Suggested Citation

  • Sean J. Morrison & Judith Kimble, 2006. "Asymmetric and symmetric stem-cell divisions in development and cancer," Nature, Nature, vol. 441(7097), pages 1068-1074, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:441:y:2006:i:7097:d:10.1038_nature04956
    DOI: 10.1038/nature04956
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    Cited by:

    1. Tang Peng & Ma Qinghua & Tang Zhenning & Wang Kaifa & Jiang Jun, 2011. "Long-Term Sphere Culture Cannot Maintain a High Ratio of Cancer Stem Cells: A Mathematical Model and Experiment," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(11), pages 1-6, November.
    2. Zhdanov, Vladimir P., 2008. "Simulation of proliferation and differentiation of cells in a stem-cell niche," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 387(24), pages 6126-6136.
    3. Sharif M. Ridwan & Autumn Twillie & Samaneh Poursaeid & Emma Kristine Beard & Muhammed Burak Bener & Matthew Antel & Ann E. Cowan & Shinya Matsuda & Mayu Inaba, 2024. "Diffusible fraction of niche BMP ligand safeguards stem-cell differentiation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-17, December.
    4. Zheng Hu & Yun-Xin Fu & Anthony J Greenberg & Chung-I Wu & Weiwei Zhai, 2013. "Age-Dependent Transition from Cell-Level to Population-Level Control in Murine Intestinal Homeostasis Revealed by Coalescence Analysis," PLOS Genetics, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(2), pages 1-10, February.

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