Side-population Cells
Side-population cells are a subpopulation of cells that show a specific signature phenotype when sorted by flow cytometry. They are characterized by the presence of a dye, Hoechst 33342, that binds to a glycoprotein expressed on their surface. Side-population cells are believed to have a higher capacity for self-renewal compared to regular cells, making them attractive targets for studying stem cells and cancer cells. In cancer studies, side-population cells have been identified as a source of tumor-initiating cells and a source of drug-resistant cells. Furthermore, they have been used in regenerative medicine to identify and enrich for stem cells, to create cell banks and to produce specialized cell types for therapeutic uses.
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