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Stem Cell Niche

Meaning

The Stem Cell Niche is the specialized, local microenvironment within a tissue or organ that provides the essential physical, chemical, and cellular support required to maintain the resident adult stem cells in a quiescent or undifferentiated state. This critical microenvironment includes surrounding stromal cells, extracellular matrix components, soluble factors like growth factors and hormones, and neural and vascular inputs. The niche is fundamental to tissue homeostasis and regeneration, as it dictates when stem cells self-renew or differentiate into mature cell types. In endocrinology, the niche is studied for its role in the aging of hormone-producing glands.