Somatic stem cell aging and malignant transformation – impact on therapeutic application

Abstract

Somatic stem cells possess unique properties of self-renewal and plasticity which make them promising candidates for use in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, in addition to serving as efficient delivery vehicles in site-specific therapy. In the case of therapeutic application, it is essential to isolate and culture stem cells in vitro, to obtain them in sufficient quantities. Although long-term cultivation provides an adequate number of cells, it has been shown that this approach is associated with increased risk of transformation of cultured cells, which presents a significant biological hazard. This article reviews information about biological features and cellular events which occur during long-term cultivation of somatic stem cells, with respect to their safe utilization in potential clinical practice.

Can precancerous stem cells be risk markers for malignant transformation in the oral mucosa?

“…The progenitor cells may be most susceptible to oncogenic mutations, as tumor-initiating cells gradually obtain stem celllike properties and consequently develop into pCSCs. Even so, ASCs or tissue-uncommitted stem cells might be potential sources of pCSCs [26,32,37].…”

Effect of Serial Passaging on the Morphology and Biological Characteristics of Human Adipose Tissue-derived Stem Cells

“…The basic prerequisite for clinical application of MSCs is their therapeutically sufficient quantity. However, it was reported that prolonged cultivation may affect properties of MSCs and may give arise to spontaneous transformation (Kuniakova et al, 2015).…”