Genomics and Epigenetics of Stem Cell

Dear Colleagues,

Stem cells are the focus of extensive research and medical applications. Acquiring knowledge of their epigenetic changes, which can influence upregulation and downregulation of the cell genome, is important to describe the mechanisms and function of stem cells. Proper differentiation in one of more than 200 different cell types in the human body is essential for safe and effective applications in regenerative medicine. The sequencing of the genome alone did not yield the expected results, and the real cell physiology work started after that accumulated knowledge from information provided by NGS. Changes in chromatin structure influence the expression of the genes, epigenetic changes being one of the most important mechanisms. Epigenetics play key roles in development, stem cell differentiation, and have a high impact on human disease, and they occur throughout life from embryonic development into adulthood. Stem cells undergo several cellular divisions in a regulated manner; the genetic code remains the same in theory, but several mutations or other phenomena related to aging can cause changes in phenotypes. The information is particularly essential for strategies of cell-based therapies, where pure populations of required cell types are required for transplantation. Epigenetic changes related with aging play a critical role in quality of stem cells and their differentiated daughter cells, as well as the functioning of regenerated tissues, organs, organ systems and, finally, the whole body.

This Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences focuses on the research field of “Genomics and Epigenetics of Stem Cell” and welcomes both original research articles and review papers.

Dr. Miomir Knezevic
Dr. Primoz Rozman
Guest Editors

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