title: Activin/Nodal signalling in stem cells.
abstract: Activin/Nodal growth factors control a broad range of biological processes, including early cell fate decisions, organogenesis and adult tissue homeostasis. Here, we provide an overview of the mechanisms by which the Activin/Nodal signalling pathway governs stem cell function in these different stages of development. We describe recent findings that associate Activin/Nodal signalling to pathological conditions, focusing on cancer stem cells in tumorigenesis and its potential as a target for therapies. Moreover, we will discuss future directions and questions that currently remain unanswered on the role of Activin/Nodal signalling in stem cell self-renewal, differentiation and proliferation.
authors: Anne McLaren Laboratory For Regenerative Medicine, Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, West Forvie Building, Robinson Way, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SZ, UK.
authors: Siim
authors: S
authors: Pauklin
authors: Anne McLaren Laboratory For Regenerative Medicine, Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, West Forvie Building, Robinson Way, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SZ, UK lv225@cam.ac.uk.
authors: Ludovic
authors: L
authors: Vallier
mesh_terms: D028341:Activins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D055457:Nodal Protein / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D039904:Pluripotent Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D055457:Nodal Protein; D028341:Activins
keywords: Activin; Cell cycle; Differentiation; Nodal; Pluripotency; Stem cells