Stemness and Stem Cell Markers

Abstract

Stemness is still a contraversive entity and the definition is evolving. It can roughly be defined as the most primitive cell state capable of transdifferentiating into divergent functional cell lines. Different stem cells express different stem cell markers which are hallmarks of these cells together with adequate functionality. Sometimes the cells possess/express the markers (phenotype) but the function is lacking and therefore they cannot be considered stem cells. Markers are protein products of clonal expansion, during self-renewal of stem cells, where the entire energy is invested in their multiplication. They are permanent labels of stemness and different in different stem cell types from different sources. Here we are presenting the examples of stem cell markers known so far.