Adhesion Molecules in Stem Cells - Adhesion Molecules - page 117

8

CHAPTER

Adhesion Molecules in Stem Cells

Hiroko Hisha 1,2,3 , Xiaoli Wang 1,4 and Susumu Ikehara 1,2,3,*
1 First Department of Pathology
2 Department of Transplantation for Regeneration Therapy (sponsored by Otsuka
Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.)
3 Regeneration Research Center for Intractable Diseases, Kansai Medical
University, Moriguchi City, Osaka, Japan
4 Division of Hematology/Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Departments
of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place,
Box 1079, New York, NY, USA
Hiroko Hisha, Ph.D., First Department of Pathology, Kansai Medical
University, 10-15 Fumizono-cho, Moriguchi City, Osaka 570-8506, Japan
E-mail: [e-mail]
Xiaoli Wang, M.D., Ph.D., Division of Hematology/Oncology, Tisch Cancer
Institute, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 1 Gustave L.
Levy Place, Box 1079, New York, NY 10029
E-mail: [e-mail]
Susumu Ikehara, M.D., Ph.D., First Department of Pathology, Kansai Medical
University, 10-15 Fumizono-cho, Moriguchi City, Osaka 570-8506, Japan
E-mail: [e-mail]

ABSTRACT

Tissues and organs are composed of tissue-specii c dormant stem cells, rapidly
proliferating progenitor cells and dif erentiated cells. h e stem cells are localized
in special regions (niches) where their stemness is maintained and controlled.
Direct physical interaction between the stem cells and the niche cells, mediated by
adhesion molecules, is essential for the stem cells to maintain stemness, proliferate
and dif erentiate. h e interaction between the adhesion molecules and extracellular
matrix also plays an important role.