Progress in the research of adult germline stem cells / 医学研究生学报

ABSTRACT

Generally speaking,embryonic stem cells,embryonic germ cells and embryonal carcinoma cells are pluripotent stem cells and they have the potential to differentiate into germ cells.Spermatogonial stem cells is unique adult germline stem cells and can differentiate into sperm.Recent research with stem cells from both embryonic and adult origin will be discussed with particular attention to results that challenge conventional wisdom about the presence of germline stem cells in adults and the plasticity of adult stem cell types.This review focuses on the progress in the research of germline stem cells and introduces the origin and plasticity of adult germline stem cells and its future directions in medical science.