Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Stem cells and their niche: a matter of fate

  • Visions & Reflections
  • Published:
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences CMLS Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract.

Embryonic stem cells provide an in vitro model for developmental biologists to study cell fate decisions during ontogenesis, while somatic stem cells allow physiologists to understand tissue homeostasis in the adult. The behavior of stem cells is dependent on an intimate relationship with a supportive niche. This brief review highlights some of the most important recent trends in stem cell biology, focusing in particular on the supportive microenvironments for both embryonic and adult stem cells. Known intrinsic and extrinsic molecular players from the best-characterized stem cell types are summarized, illuminating a number of shared environmental cues among tissues originating from all three embryonic germ layers.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate Program of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, and Div. of Hematology/Oncology, Harvard Medical School, Children’s Hospital, Karp Family Research Building, 7th floor, 300 Longwood Avenue Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA, Boston

    O. Naveiras

  2. Division of Hematology/Oncology, and Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA

    G. Q. Daley

Authors
  1. O. Naveiras
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. G. Q. Daley
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

Received 6 October 2005; received after revision 27 December 2005; accepted 17 January 2006

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Naveiras, O., Daley, G.Q. Stem cells and their niche: a matter of fate. Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 63, 760–766 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-005-5469-5

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-005-5469-5

Keywords.

Search

Navigation