Feature Papers in Stem Cells

Different populations of Stem Cells present significant promise for their use in future therapeutic applications, with both advantages and concerns. The development of such Stem Cell therapies requires an in-depth knowledge of their identity, immune biology and technical culture and manipulation. It is also important that we understand the mechanisms regulating their maintenance, expansion and functions for issues relating to safety and efficiency. Finally, in order to improve the therapeutic use of Stem Cells within clinical practice we must characterize the micro-environment in which they exist (e.g., hypoxia), their fate and properties. By including a number of different types of manuscripts in this Special Issue, we have facilitated a discussion about recent fundamental and applied advances that will help the scientific community to develop new therapeutic strategies based on the use of Stem Cells.