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How to Characterize Stem Cells? Contributions from Mathematical Modeling

  • Mathematical Models of Stem Cell Behavior (M Kohandel, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Adult stem cells play a key role in tissue regeneration and cancer. To translate findings from stem cell biology into clinics, we require a quantitative characterization of stem cell dynamics in vivo. This review explores how mathematical models can help to characterize stem cell behavior in health and disease.

Recent Findings

Mathematical models significantly contribute to quantification of stem cell traits such as proliferation, self-renewal, and quiescence. They provide insights into the role of systemic and micro-environmental feedback loops during regeneration and cancer. Computer simulations allow linking stem cell properties to tumor composition, clinical course, and drug response. Therefore, models are helpful in personalizing treatments and predicting patient survival.

Summary

Mathematical models coupled with tools of parameter estimation and model selection provide quantitative insights into stem cell properties and their regulation. They help to understand experimentally inaccessible processes occurring in regeneration, aging, and cancer.

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Acknowledgements

This work was funded by research funding from the German Research Foundation DFG (Collaborative Research Center SFB 873, Maintenance and Differentiation of Stem Cells in Development and Disease).

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  1. Institute of Applied Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Center of Scientific Computing and BioQuant Center, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 205, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany

    Thomas Stiehl & Anna Marciniak-Czochra

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  1. Thomas Stiehl
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Correspondence to Anna Marciniak-Czochra.

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Thomas Stiehl and Anna Marciniak-Czochra declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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All reported studies and experiments involving human or animal subjects performed by the authors have been previously published and complied with applicable ethical standards as defined in the Helsinki declaration and its amendments, institutional and national research committee standards, and international/national/institutional guidelines.

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Stiehl, T., Marciniak-Czochra, A. How to Characterize Stem Cells? Contributions from Mathematical Modeling. Curr Stem Cell Rep 5, 57–65 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40778-019-00155-0

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