Tumor Formation In Stem Cells Linked to Mitochondria
ScienceDaily (Oct. 13, 2008) —
Researchers report on a previously unknown relationship between stem cell potency and the metabolic rate of their mitochondria –a cell's energy makers. Stem cells with more active mitochondria also have a greater capacity to differentiate and are more likely to form tumors.
These findings could lead to methods of enriching the best stem cells from a population for therapeutic use and may provide some insights into the role of stem cells in cancer.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081010135041.htm