Decision making in interstitial stem cells of Hydra

Abstract

Interstitial stem cells in Hydra are a continuously proliferating and differentiating cell population. They represent a useful model system for studying mechanisms controlling stem cell differentiation. Here we review our current knowledge of the differentiation potential of these cells. Interstitial stem cells are multipotent and able to differentiate into several different cell types. The differentiation decisions appear to be controlled by positional signals and by the composition of the cellular environment. Since interstitial stem cells can be cultured in an in vivo environment and appear to be accessible to experimental manipulation by a range of new molecular techniques, an in vivo analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying stem cell decision making can now be approached.