Runx family genes, niche, and stem cell quiescence.
In multicellular organisms, terminally differentiated cells of most tissues are short-lived and therefore require constant replenishment from rapidly dividing stem cells for homeostasis and tissue repair. For the stem cells to last throughout the lifetime of the organism, however, a small subset of stem cells, which are maintained in a hibernation-like state known as stem cell quiescence, is required. Such dormant stem cells reside in the niche and are activated into proliferation only when necessary. A multitude of factors are required for the maintenance of stem cell quiescence and niche. In particular, the Runx family genes have been implicated in stem cell quiescence in various organisms and tissues. In this review, we discuss the maintenance of stem cell quiescence in various tissues, mainly in the context of the Runx family genes, and with special focus on the hematopoietic system.
Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
Chelsia Qiuxia
CQ
Wang
Bindya
B
Jacob
Giselle Sek Suan
GS
Nah
Motomi
M
Osato
D000818:Animals; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000166:cytology; D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D050676:Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit / Q000172:deficiency / Q000502:physiology; D050657:Core Binding Factor alpha Subunits / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D016193:G1 Phase / Q000235:genetics; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D017238:Genes, Helminth; D006410:Hematopoiesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D006412:Hematopoietic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology; D006801:Humans; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000166:cytology; D008099:Liver / Q000166:cytology; D051379:Mice; D005810:Multigene Family; D009928:Organ Specificity; D016192:Resting Phase, Cell Cycle / Q000235:genetics; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology
D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins; D050676:Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit; D050657:Core Binding Factor alpha Subunits; C493287:RNT-1 protein, C elegans; C493726:Runx1 protein, mouse; D014157:Transcription Factors