Gene plays key role in embryonic, adult stem cells

April 20, 2007

One gene directs both embryonic and adult stem cells to perform the self-renewal function that is crucial in their potential broad use in medical treatments, researchers said on Thursday. While the biology of these types of stem cells is very different, a study published in the journal Cell showed that they share at least this one key feature — a gene called Zfx that controls their ability to self-renew. (CNN)