Molecular Basis of Cellular Heterogeneity in Physiology and Disease: Diversity Matters

Dear Colleagues,

This Topical Collection of Cells welcomes original articles and reviews covering the broad spectrum of processes in which cellular heterogeneity and plasticity are involved both in health and disease, with a preferential focus on stem cells. In addition to the concept that heterogeneity is inherent to stem cell populations, increasing evidence supports the idea that stem cells are dynamically heterogeneous, being able to fluctuate between different phenotypic and functional states endowed with distinct differentiation/fate potential. Such plasticity is important for embryonic development, to maintain tissue homeostasis, and for tissue regeneration. However, cell plasticity is not confined to physiological processes but is reactivated at the onset of several pathological conditions, including cancer. Indeed, targeting cellular heterogeneity is still a major challenge in the effective treatment of cancer.

Uncovering the molecular basis of cellular heterogeneity is thus relevant both for understanding developmental mechanisms and for anticancer therapies.

Dr. Gabriella Minchiotti
Dr. Annalisa Fico
Collection Editors

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