Stem Cell Niches: Regulation and Anatomy

This lecture delves into the intricate world of stem cell niches, focusing on how adult stem cells are regulated by their microenvironment. The anatomy, key components, and the role of niches in controlling stem cell fates are explored through examples like the fruit fly testis niche and the haematopoietic stem cell niche. The lecture also discusses the tight regulation of stem cell numbers, the identification of niches, and the therapeutic potential of targeting niches. Various concepts such as quiescence, asymmetric self-renewal division, and the dynamics of cell fates in niches are elucidated, shedding light on the complexity of stem cell regulation.