Talk:Progenitor cell
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I find progenitor cells difficult to put a precise definition on. The way I like to use the term is for any immature cell with a propensity to differentiate towards a particular lineage and/or a limited capacity for self renewal. This will encompass both multipotent cells, and cells which are quite limited in potential. For example, muscle satellite cells are a good example of what I consider as progenitor cells with limited differentiated capacity.
A true stem cell should be pluripotent, however some "stem cells" such as haematopoietic stem cells are only multipotent. Other cell types such as bone marrow stem cells are believed to be pluripotent, but in vivo are likely to only contribute to a few cell types (such has osteoblasts, and perhaps pericytes etc). Thus I would still classify these cell types as progenitor cells.
Thus I prefer using progenitor cells to describe a wide range of cell types, leaving the stem cell term to be limited to what they were originally meant to describe - truly totipotent/pluripotent cells with unlimited capacity for self renewal.
Of course, this is only the way I like to use the term, but I'd be interested to see what other cell biologists think.
Dr Aaron 11:36, 3 October 2006 (UTC)
I've expanded the page, but I realise it could use some references. I'll try to find some in the next few weeks, when I get a chance.
Dr Aaron 00:41, 14 October 2006 (UTC)
