Читать книгу The SAGE Encyclopedia of Stem Cell Research - Группа авторов - Страница 258

Understanding the mechanisms involved in establishing the fate of a cell has been the driving force in research studies involving stem cells. Cellular differentiation, which results in a mature cell at its appropriate location and performing its correct function, entails an ensemble of molecular processes that have been extensively studied in various types of organisms. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is considered as a strong model for studying stem cells based on its inherent features that are analogous to that of adult stem cells from various mammalian species. The proliferation of the germ cell lineage is regulated by interactions with specific cells such as those at the distal tip cell.

The germ line of C. elegans has been described as plastic, wherein it responds to variations in external and cellular conditions. Because various factors contribute to the self-renewal and maintenance of stem cells, it is therefore essential to investigate different kinds of stem cells to fully characterize all the mechanisms involved in these processes. C. elegans also presents distinct features that do not occur in other stem cell model organisms, thus providing significant contributions to the study of stem cell biology.