TY - JOUR T1 - Stem cells in the adult pancreas and liver JF - Biochemical Journal JO - Biochem J SP - 169 LP - 178 DO - 10.1042/BJ20070167 VL - 404 IS - 2 AU - Burke, Zoë D. AU - Thowfeequ, Shifaan AU - Peran, Macarena AU - Tosh, David Y1 - 2007/06/01 UR - http://www.biochemj.org/content/404/2/169.abstract N2 - Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can self-renew and generate specialized (functional) cell types. The remarkable ability of stem cells to differentiate towards functional cells makes them suitable modalities in cellular therapy (which means treating diseases with the body's own cells). Potential targets for cellular therapy include diabetes and liver failure. However, in order for stem cells to be clinically useful, we must learn to identify them and to regulate their differentiation. We will use the intestine as a classical example of a stem cell compartment, and then examine the evidence for the existence of adult stem cells in two endodermally derived organs: pancreas and liver. We will review the characteristics of the putative stem cells in these tissues and the transcription factors controlling their differentiation towards functional cell types. Abbreviations: AP, anterior–posterior; BMP, bone morphogenetic protein; Cdx1, caudal-related; C/EBP, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein; CK19, cytokeratin 19; DPPIV, dipeptidyl peptidase IV; E, embryonic day; ES cell, embryonic stem cell; FAH, fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase; FGF, fibroblast growth factor; Hox, homeobox; HSC, haematopoietic stem cell; IHH, Indian hedgehog; Ngn3, neurogenin 3; Pdx1, pancreatic and duodenal Hox 1; Prt, Prometheus; SCID, severe combined immunodeficiency; Tcf, T-cell factor ER -