Properties
Most progenitors are described as oligopotent. In this point of view, they may be compared to adult stem cells. But progenitors are said to be in a further stage of cell differentiation. They are in the “center” between stem cells and fully differentiated cells. The kind of potency they have depends on the type of their "parent" stem cell and also on their niche. Some progenitor cells were found during research, and were isolated. After their marker was found, it was proven that these progenitor could move through the body and migrate towards the tissue where they are needed. Many properties are shared by adult stem cells and progenitor cells. But still, controversy remains because embryonic stem cells are true stem cells in that they are pluripotent and show unlimited capacity for self-renewal. In contrast, many cells termed adult stem cells would be better defined as progenitor cells, as their capacities for unlimited self-renewal and plasticity have not been comprehensively demonstrated.
Progenitor cells are found in adult organisms and they act as a repair system for the body. They replenish special cells, but also maintain the blood, skin and intestinal tissues. They can also be found in developing embryonic pancreatic tissue.
| Stem Cell | Progenitor Cell | |
|---|---|---|
| Self-renewal in vivo | Unlimited | Limited |
| Self-renewal in vitro | Unlimited | Limited |
| Potentiality | Multipotent | Unipotent, sometimes oligopotent |
| Maintenance of self-renewal | Yes | No |
| Population | Reaches maximum number of cells before differentiating | Does not reach maximum population |
Read more about this topic: Progenitor Cell
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