The ins(ide) and outs(ide) of asymmetric stem cell division.
Many adult stem cells divide asymmetrically, generating one stem cell (self-renewal) and one differentiating cell. Balancing self-renewal and differentiation is critical for sustaining tissue homeostasis throughout the life of an organism. Failure to execute asymmetric stem cell division can have profound impacts on tissue homeostasis, resulting in tissue degeneration or hyperplasia/tumorigenic overgrowth. Recent studies have expanded our understanding of both the extracellular and intracellular mechanisms that regulate, reinforce and ensure an asymmetric outcome following stem cell division. In this review, we discuss newly discovered aspects of asymmetric stem cell division that, in concert with well-established mechanisms, contribute to balancing self-renewal and differentiation.
Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
Cuie
C
Chen
Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
Jaclyn M
JM
Fingerhut
Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. Electronic address: yukikomy@umich.edu.
Yukiko M
YM
Yamashita
D000818:Animals; D060049:Asymmetric Cell Division; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D019070:Cell Lineage; D060833:Cellular Microenvironment; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology