The role of the microenvironment on the fate of adult stem cells

Adult stem cells (SCs) exist in all tissues that promote tissue growth, regeneration, and healing throughout life. The SC niche in which they reside provides signals that direct them to proliferate, differentiate, or remain dormant; these factors include neighboring cells, the extracellular matrix, soluble molecules, and physical stimuli. In disease and aging states, stable or transitory changes in the microenvironment can directly cause SC activation or inhibition in tissue healing as well as functional regulation. Here, we discuss the microenvironmental regulation of the behavior of SC and focus on plasticity approaches by which various environmental factors can enhance the function of SCs and more effectively direct the fate of SCs.