Concise Review: The Plasticity of Stem Cell Niches: A General Property Behind Tissue Homeostasis and Repair

Stem cell activity is tightly regulated during development and in adult tissues through the combined action of local and systemic effectors. While stem cells and their microenvironments are capable of sustaining homeostasis in normal physiological circumstances, they also provide host tissues with a remarkable plasticity to respond to perturbations. Here, we review recent discoveries that shed light on the adaptive response of niches to systemic signals and aging, and on the ability of niches to modulate signaling upon local perturbations. These characteristics of stem cells and their niches give organs an essential advantage to deal with aging, injury or pathological conditions. Stem Cells 2014;32:852-859