Stem Cells

Question 1

Stem Cell Basics, Niches

Answer 1

Can differentiate into multiple types of cells, TFs and environment help set lineage. Niches are 3D structures in tissues that house stem cells

Question 2

Paneth Cells

Answer 2

Niche cells for Crypt Based Columnar Cells

Question 3

Adult Stem Cell Plasticity

Answer 3

Mesenchymal cells are able to home in to cellular damage and differentiate into damaged cell type.
Inherited Epidermolysis Bullosa: mesenchymal cells home in to damaged collagen IV and replace it.

Question 4

High Mobility Group Box I (HMGB1)

Answer 4

Signal that causes mobilization of mesenchymal cells?

Question 5

Reprogramming of Adult stem cells

Answer 5

Cells grown in culture from skin biopsy are given reprogramming factors (OCT3/4, SOX2, c-myc, Klf4). This likely changes chromatin regulation.
Can be introduced with mRNA since only short expression is needed and does not have risk of retrovirus
Can combine with gene editing technologies

Question 6

Stem Cells in Cancer

Answer 6

Adult stem cells likely cause epithelial cancers after carcinogen exposure because they are only permanent cells in epithelia.
They are likely cause metastasis because tumor cells don’t grow without rare cells. T
Likely cause of recurrence since therapy targets rapid dividing cells and not stem cells