Abstract
Stem cells have the unique capacity to differentiate into many cell types during embryonic development and postnatal growth. Through coordinated cellular behaviors (self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation), stem cells are also pivotal to the homeostasis, repair, and regeneration of many adult tissues/organs and thus of great importance in regenerative medicine. Emerging evidence indicates that mitochondria are actively involved in the regulation of stem cell behaviors. Mitochondria undergo specific dynamics (biogenesis, fission, fusion, and mitophagy) during stem cell self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation. The alteration of mitochondrial dynamics, fine-tuned by stem cell niche factors and stress signaling, has considerable impacts on stem cell behaviors. Here, we summarize the recent research progress on (1) how mitochondrial dynamics controls stem cell behaviors, (2) intrinsic and extrinsic factors that regulate mitochondrial dynamics, and (3) pharmacological regulators of mitochondrial dynamics and their therapeutic potential. This review emphasizes the metabolic control of stemness and differentiation and may shed light on potential new applications in stem cell-based therapy.
Highlights
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have the pluripotent potential to generate all adult cell types
Mitochondrial dynamics differs in different types of cells and meets the specific functional needs of the
Mitochondrial dynamics differs between stem cells and differentiated cells (Figure 1)
Summary
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have the pluripotent potential to generate all adult cell types. Stem cell can self-renew through asymmetrical or symmetrical cell divisions. A stem cell gives rise to a daughter stem cell and a daughter progenitor cell The latter usually has limited lineage potential or progresses closer to the terminal differentiation. Progenitor cells can further differentiate into mature cell types, but by definition, progenitor cells lose their long-term self-renewing potential. Elucidating mechanisms that control stem cell behaviors have great significance in adult stem cell/iPSCbased regenerative medicine. Mitochondrial dynamics differs in different types of cells and meets the specific functional needs of the. Mitochondrial dynamics assists cells in meeting the needs for cellular energy during proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Addressing how stem cell behaviors interplay with mitochondrial dynamics sheds light on the fascinating stem cell biology and holds a promise to improve clinical applications of stem cells for regenerative medicine
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