Stem cell maintenance by manipulating signaling pathways: past, current and future

• Published in: BMB reports Vol. 48; no. 12; pp. 668 - 676
• Main Authors: Chen, X., University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA, Ye, S., Anhui University, Hefei, China, Ying, Q.L., University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) Korean Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 01.12.2015; 생화학분자생물학회
• Subjects: Adult stem cells,Embryonic stem cell self-renewal,Neural stem cells,Stem cells,Wnt/beta-catenin pathway; Animals; Cell Culture Techniques - methods; Cell Line; Cell Self Renewal - physiology; CELLS; CELLULE; CELULAS; Embryonic Stem Cells - cytology; Embryonic Stem Cells - metabolism; Humans; Invited Mini Review; Multipotent Stem Cells - cytology; Multipotent Stem Cells - metabolism; Pluripotent Stem Cells - cytology; Pluripotent Stem Cells - metabolism; Signal Transduction; STEMS; TALLOS; TIGE; 화학
• ISSN: 1976-6696; 1976-670X
• DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2015.48.12.215

Pluripotent stem cells only exist in a narrow window during early embryonic development, whereas multipotent stem cells are abundant throughout embryonic development and are retained in various adult tissues and organs. While pluripotent stem cell lines have been established from several species, including mouse, rat, and human, it is still challenging to establish stable multipotent stem cell lines from embryonic or adult tissues. Based on current knowledge, we anticipate that by manipulating extrinsic and intrinsic signaling pathways, most if not all types of stem cells can be maintained in a long-term culture. In this article, we summarize current culture conditions established for the long-term maintenance of authentic pluripotent and multipotent stem cells and the signaling pathways involved. We also discuss the general principles of stem cell maintenance and propose several strategies on the establishment of novel stem cell lines through manipulation of signaling pathways.