regulation of stem cell division

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of stem cell division. [GOC:obol]

Stem cell division, a fundamental process in development and tissue homeostasis, is tightly regulated to ensure appropriate cell number and differentiation. This regulation involves a complex interplay of intrinsic and extrinsic signals that govern the balance between self-renewal and differentiation.

Intrinsic factors include transcription factors, signaling pathways, and epigenetic modifications that define the stem cell identity and control their fate. Transcription factors like Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog are essential for maintaining pluripotency and self-renewal in embryonic stem cells. Signaling pathways such as Wnt, Notch, and Hedgehog, play critical roles in regulating stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, contribute to the establishment and maintenance of the stem cell state.

Extrinsic factors, derived from the stem cell niche, provide essential cues for stem cell maintenance and regulation. The niche encompasses the surrounding cells, extracellular matrix, and soluble factors that influence stem cell behavior. These factors can include growth factors, cytokines, and hormones that promote proliferation or differentiation.

The balance between self-renewal and differentiation is crucial for maintaining a pool of stem cells capable of generating new cells while ensuring tissue homeostasis. During self-renewal, stem cells divide symmetrically, producing two identical daughter cells that retain stem cell properties. In differentiation, stem cells divide asymmetrically, giving rise to one daughter cell that retains stem cell characteristics and another that commits to a specific cell lineage. This controlled process ensures a continuous supply of differentiated cells while preserving the stem cell pool.

The regulation of stem cell division is a complex process that involves a delicate balance between intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing strategies to control stem cell behavior for therapeutic applications, such as tissue regeneration and disease modeling.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (4)