Title:Stem Cells and the Side Population Theory: A Critical Review
Volume: 4
Issue: 1
Author(s): Manuela Monti, Claudia Del Fante, Cesare Perotti, Ruggero Rodriguez y Baena and Carlo Alberto Redi
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Cancer stem cells, side population, stem cells, stemness, tumor initiating cells, tumorigenesis.
Abstract: This review provides an overview of the Side Population (SP) phenotype related to
stemness biology and tumorigenesis, highlighting the key technical mechanisms and biological processes
involved. The actual challenges to fully exploit the possibilities provided by the SP phenotype in
normal and cancer tissues are discussed. We put forward some suggestions for future research and the
empowerment of a network of SP users to make the SP assay fully understood and technically scalable
for its broader use.