Adipose: Stem and Progenitor Cells in Adults

Adipose tissues play major roles in storage and active regulation of metabolism. In addition to these functions, adipose tissue has properties that give it potential application for tissue regeneration or transfer. Adipose may be a source of unique, pluripotent (possessing the ability to form into cells originating from any of the three germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm) stem cells. The utilization of stem cells and cytokines can lead to tissue repair and the regeneration of damaged tissues. Other multipotent (possessing the ability to differentiate into multiple but limited cell types) progenitor cells can be drawn in an undifferentiated state. Progenitor cells are considered to have already committed to differentiation on a specific cellular pathway. There may be fewer political, legal, and ethical issues with adipose ...