Stem cell repertoire in the prostate epithelium

Abstract

Over the past two decades, the roles of stem cells have been studied in the contexts of developmental biology, tissue engineering, cancer therapy, neurodegenerative disorders and what not! Right since the discovery of prostate specific adult stem cells or stem-like cells in both stromal and epithelial compartments, their participation in prostate development and prostatic pathologies (like benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer) are being thoroughly investigated. The present mini-review summarizes the ins and outs of the histological organization of acinar prostate and prostate cancer, keeping the prostate-specific epithelial stem cells on the backdrop.