TGF-β family signaling in stem cells

• Published in: Biochimica et biophysica acta 2013-02, Vol.1830 (2), p.2280-2296
• Main Authors: Sakaki-Yumoto, Masayo, Katsuno, Yoko, Derynck, Rik
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Cancer stem cell; embryonic stem cells; Epithelial–mesenchymal transition; Humans; Mice; neoplasm cells; neoplasms; Niche; physiological state; Pluripotency; Reprogramming; Signal Transduction; somatic cells; Somatic stem cell; Stem Cells - metabolism; transforming growth factor beta; Transforming Growth Factor beta - metabolism
• ISSN: 0304-4165; 0006-3002; 1872-8006
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2012.08.008

The diversity of cell types and tissue types that originate throughout development derives from the differentiation potential of embryonic stem cells and somatic stem cells. While the former are pluripotent, and thus can give rise to a full differentiation spectrum, the latter have limited differentiation potential but drive tissue remodeling. Additionally cancer tissues also have a small population of self-renewing cells with stem cell properties. These cancer stem cells may arise through dedifferentiation from non-stem cells in cancer tissues, illustrating their plasticity, and may greatly contribute to the resistance of cancers to chemotherapies. The capacity of the different types of stem cells for self-renewal, the establishment and maintenance of their differentiation potential, and the selection of differentiation programs are greatly defined by the interplay of signaling molecules provided by both the stem cells themselves, and their microenvironment, the niche. Here we discuss common and divergent roles of TGF-β family signaling in the regulation of embryonic, reprogrammed pluripotent, somatic, and cancer stem cells. Increasing evidence highlights the similarities between responses of normal and cancer stem cells to signaling molecules, provided or activated by their microenvironment. While TGF-β family signaling regulates stemness of normal and cancer stem cells, its effects are diverse and depend on the cell types and physiological state of the cells. Further mechanistic studies will provide a better understanding of the roles of TGF-β family signaling in the regulation of stem cells. These basic studies may lead to the development of a new therapeutic or prognostic strategies for the treatment of cancers. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Biochemistry of Stem Cells. ► Normal and cancer stem cell properties are defined by their microenvironments. ► TGF-β family proteins play key roles in stem cell maintenance and differentiation. ► TGF-β family proteins mediate communication between stem cells and niche. ► TGF-β signaling mediates epithelial–mesenchymal transition in cancer stem cells. ► TGF-β family proteins regulate embryonic stem cell self-renewal and differentiation.