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Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1574-888X
ISSN (Online): 2212-3946

Review Article

In Vivo Genetic Strategies for the Specific Lineage Tracing of Stem Cells

Author(s): Hong Fan, Xinyu Liu, Yahui Shen, Siwei Chen, Yu Huan, Junjia Shan, Chengji Zhou, Shengxi Wu, Zifeng Zhang* and Yazhou Wang*

Volume 14, Issue 3, 2019

Page: [230 - 238] Pages: 9

DOI: 10.2174/1574888X13666180726110138

Price: $65

Abstract

Background: Characterization of the fate changes of stem cells is essential to understand the roles of certain stem cells both during development and in diseases, such as cancer. In the past two decades, more and more importance has been paid to the studies of in vivo lineage tracing, because they could authentically reveal the differentiation, migration and even proliferation of stem cells. However, specific genetic tools have only been developed until recently.

Objective: To summarize the progresses of genetic tools for specific lineage tracing with emphasis on their applications in investigating the stem cell niche signals.

Results: Three major genetic strategies have been reviewed according to the development of technique, particularly the advantages and disadvantages of individual methods.

Conclusion: In vivo specific lineage tracing of stem cells could be achieved by comprehensive application of multiple genetic tools.

Keywords: Genetic tools, lineage tracing, stem cells, site-specific recombinases, reporter alleles, niche signals.

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