Objectives Adult stem cells (ASCs) have great potential for tissue regeneration; however, comparative studies of ASCs from different niches are required to understand the characteristics of each population for their potential therapeutic uses. Results We compared the proliferation, stem cell marker expression, and differentiation potential of ASCs from bone marrow, skin dermis, and adipose tissue. ASCs from bone marrow and skin dermis showed 50-100 % increased proliferation in comparison to the ASCs from adipose tissues. Furthermore, ASCs from each stem cell niche showed differential expression of stem cell marker genes, and preferentially differentiated into cell types of their tissue of origin. Conclusion Different characters of each ASC might be major factors for their effective use for therapeutics and tissue regeneration.