Multipotenta

Multipotent describes the property of certain stem cells to differentiate into multiple, but limited, cell types. These cells are more restricted than pluripotent stem cells, which can form derivatives of all three germ layers, and far more versatile than unipotent cells that can produce only one cell type. Multipotent cells are commonly found in adult tissues and in some fetal tissues, where they contribute to the maintenance and repair of the tissue from which they originate.

Examples of multipotent cells include hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow, which can develop into various blood cells; mesenchymal stem cells that can differentiate into bone, cartilage, and fat cells; neural stem cells that can give rise to neurons and glial cells; and hepatic progenitor cells capable of becoming hepatocytes or biliary cells. The exact range of potential varies by tissue and developmental stage. While multipotent cells are less likely to form teratomas than embryonic stem cells, their differentiation is still tightly controlled by the niche, transcription factors, and signaling pathways such as Notch, Wnt, and TGF-β.

Clinically, multipotent cells are used in bone marrow and cord blood transplants, regenerative medicine, and tissue engineering. Their restricted lineage potential reduces the risk of forming unrelated cell types but can limit their ability to restore complex tissues. Research continues into understanding and directing their differentiation to enhance safety and efficacy.