Using Integument Organ Paradigm to Explore the Basic Concept of Regenerative Biology and Regenerative Medicine

Abstract: Regenerative medicine is a newly developing medical field which has a huge potential. Regenerative ability of many animals in nature can give some enlightenment to human beings whose regenerative ability is limited. This paper discussed the regenerative medicine research in three key issues: first， how to obtain stem cells. This part introduced embryonic stem cells， specific-tissue stem cell， available approach of induced pluripotent stem cells with good developing prospects， and a number of successful examples for cell reprogramming. Second， differentiation and organization of stem cells. It is required to understand the mechanism of differentiation and morphogenesis of stem cells. By using the feather morphogenesis as a model， this paper introduced the concept of stem cell topology and the mechanisms of micro-environmental of the stem cells controlling the organ shape. Third， how to deliver the stem cell products to the host. Using regenerative hair waves as an example， this study expounded how macro-environment could affect the regenerative activity of stem cells. Finally， this review analyzed the significance of self-organization of stem cells to hair regeneration engineering during organ morphogenesis. Many principles in the paper are not limited to the skin， but also apply to other intracorporeal organs. By basic research of regenerative process of organisms， we can get inspiration from the way of organism regeneration， gradually come to understand mechanisms of tissue repair and regeneration， and improve the operative techniques for studying the stem cell in the molecular and cellular levels. Hopefully the research achievement of stem cells will be applied to the clinical medicine in the near future.

CSTR: 32200.14.cjcb.2012.04.0001