Wnt pathway regulation of embryonic stem cell self-renewal

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can generate all of the cell types found in the adult organism. Remarkably, they retain this ability even after many cell divisions in vitro, as long as the culture conditions prevent differentiation of the cells. Wnt signaling and β-catenin have been shown to cause stron...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in biology 2012-09, Vol.4 (9), p.a007971-a007971
Main Author: Merrill, Bradley J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
beta Catenin - metabolism
beta Catenin - physiology
Cell Culture Techniques
Cell Differentiation
Embryonic Stem Cells - cytology
Embryonic Stem Cells - metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation
Humans
Mice
Models, Genetic
Pluripotent Stem Cells - cytology
Pluripotent Stem Cells - metabolism
Signal Transduction - physiology
Transcription Factors - metabolism
Transcription Factors - physiology
Wnt Proteins - genetics
Wnt Proteins - metabolism
Wnt Proteins - physiology
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Summary:Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can generate all of the cell types found in the adult organism. Remarkably, they retain this ability even after many cell divisions in vitro, as long as the culture conditions prevent differentiation of the cells. Wnt signaling and β-catenin have been shown to cause strong effects on ESCs both in terms of stimulating the expansion of stem cells and stimulating differentiation toward lineage committed cell types. The varied effects of Wnt signaling in ESCs, alongside the sometimes unconventional mechanisms underlying the effects, have generated a fair amount of controversy and intrigue regarding the role of Wnt signaling in pluripotent stem cells. Insights into the mechanisms of Wnt function in stem cells can be gained by examination of the causes for seemingly opposing effects of Wnt signaling on self-renewal versus differentiation.
ISSN:1943-0264
1943-0264
DOI:10.1101/cshperspect.a007971