Mechanisms of self-renewal in human embryonic stem cells.
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are the pluripotent cell population derived from the inner cell mass of pre-implantation embryos and are characterised by prolonged self-renewal and the potential to differentiate into cells representing all three germ layers both in vitro and in vivo. Preservation of the undifferentiated status of the ESC population requires the maintenance of self-renewal whilst inhibiting differentiation and regulating senescence and apoptosis. In this review, we discuss the intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with self-renewal process, together with possible signalling pathway interactions and mechanisms of regulation.
Stewart
Rebecca
R
Centre for Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, Institute of Human Genetics, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK. rebecca.stewart@ncl.ac.uk
Stojkovic
Miodrag
M
Lako
Majlinda
M
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D002450:Cell Communication; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002843:Chromatin / Q000502:physiology; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D039904:Pluripotent Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D016615:Telomere; D015291:Transforming Growth Factors / Q000502:physiology
D015415:Biomarkers; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; D002843:Chromatin; D015291:Transforming Growth Factors