title: On the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in stem cells.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Stem cells are mainly characterized by two properties: self-renewal and the potency to differentiate into diverse cell types. These processes are regulated by different growth factors including members of the Wnt protein family. Wnt proteins are secreted glycoproteins that can activate different intracellular signaling pathways.
  
  
  METHODS
  Here we summarize our current knowledge on the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling with respect to these two main features of stem cells.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A particular focus is given on the function of Wnt signaling in embryonic stem cells. Wnt signaling can also improve reprogramming of somatic cells towards iPS cells highlighting the importance of this pathway for self-renewal and pluripotency. As an example for the role of Wnt signaling in adult stem cell behavior, we furthermore focus on intestinal stem cells located in the crypts of the small intestine.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A broad knowledge about stem cell properties and the influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on these processes is a requirement for the use of these cells in regenerative medicine in the future or to understand cancer development in the adult. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Biochemistry of Stem Cells.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, D-89081 Ulm, Germany.
authors.forename: Susanne J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Kühl
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kühl
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D051153:Wnt Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D051176:beta Catenin / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D051153:Wnt Proteins; D051176:beta Catenin