STEM CELL NICHE: Structure and Function

Adult tissue-specific stem cells have the capacity to self-renew and generate functional differentiated cells that replenish lost cells throughout an organism's lifetime. Studies on stem cells from diverse systems have shown that stem cell function is controlled by extracellular cues from the niche and by intrinsic genetic programs within the stem cell. Here, we review the remarkable progress recently made in research regarding the stem cell niche. We compare the differences and commonalities of different stem cell niches in Drosophila ovary/testis and Caenorhabditis elegans distal tip, as well as in mammalian bone marrow, skin/hair follicle, intestine, brain, and testis. On the basis of this comparison, we summarize the common features, structure, and functions of the stem cell niche and highlight important niche signals that are conserved from Drosophila to mammals. We hope this comparative summary defines the basic elements of the stem cell niche, providing guiding principles for identification of the niche in other systems and pointing to areas for future studies.