Progenitor cell
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The term progenitor cell is used in cell biology and developmental biology to refer to immature or undifferentiated cells, typically found in post-natal animals. While progenitor cells share many common features with stem cells, the term is far less restrictive.
[edit] Progenitor cells versus Stem cells
Like stem cells, progenitor cells have a capacity for self-renewal and differentiation, although these properties may be limited.
| Feature | Stem cell | Progenitor Cell |
|---|---|---|
| Self-renewal | Unlimited | Can be limited |
| Plasticity | Pluripotent | Unipotent or Multipotent |
Embryonic stem cells are true stem cells in that they are pluripotent and show unlimited capacity for self-renewal. In contrast, many cells termed adult stem cells would be better defined as progenitor cells, as their capacities for unlimited self renewal and plasticity have not been comprehensively demonstrated.
[edit] Function of Progenitor cells
The majority of progenitor cells lie dormant or possess little activity in the tissue in which they reside. They exhibit slow growth and their main role is to replace cells lost by normal attrition.
Upon tissue damage or injury, progenitor cells can be activated by growth factors or cytokines, leading to increased cell division important for the repair process.
[edit] Examples of Progenitor cells
- Satellite cells found in muscle
- The transit-amplifying neural progenitors of the rostral migratory stream.
- Bone marrow stromal cells, although they are often classed as stem cells due to their high plasticity and potentially unlimited capacity for self renewal.
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Sources: Embryonic stem cells | Adult stem cells | Cancer stem cells
Related articles: Stem cell treatments | Stem cell controversy | Stem cell line | Progenitor cell | Cell differentiation
