Resumen

PEREZ-SERRANO, Rosa M. et al. Mesenchymal stem cells: biology, characterization and future applications to animal health and livestock production. Part I. Agrociencia [online]. 2012, vol.46, n.4, pp.371-382. ISSN 2521-9766.

Mesenchymal stem cells have characteristics that make them a unique model for research in the biomedical area. Its use as a biotechnological tool allows for innovative solutions for health problems in humans and animals. These cells are characterized by a high proliferative capacity of being viable for long periods and for their multipotent capacity to differentiate into a wide variety of cell lineages, having in it their value for tissue engineering and repair, treatment of diseases and manipulation of cell differentiation and even animal production. This paper covers basic aspects of their biology and characterization in domestic species emphasizing the need to homogenize the criteria that would allow to characterize these cells in the livestock species and their possible applications in health and livestock production.

Palabras llave : mesenchymal stem cells; bone marrow; characterization; cell differentiation; tissue repair; multipotentiality.