Stem cell signaling. An integral program for tissue renewal and regeneration: Wnt signaling and stem cell control.

TitleStem cell signaling. An integral program for tissue renewal and regeneration: Wnt signaling and stem cell control.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2014
AuthorsClevers H, Loh KM, Nusse R
JournalScience (New York, N.Y.)
Volume346
Issue6205
Pagination1248012
Date Published2014 Oct 3
ISSN0036-8075
AbstractStem cells fuel tissue development, renewal, and regeneration, and these activities are controlled by the local stem cell microenvironment, the "niche." Wnt signals emanating from the niche can act as self-renewal factors for stem cells in multiple mammalian tissues. Wnt proteins are lipid-modified, which constrains them to act as short-range cellular signals. The locality of Wnt signaling dictates that stem cells exiting the Wnt signaling domain differentiate, spatially delimiting the niche in certain tissues. In some instances, stem cells may act as or generate their own niche, enabling the self-organization of patterned tissues. In this Review, we discuss the various ways by which Wnt operates in stem cell control and, in doing so, identify an integral program for tissue renewal and regeneration.
URLhttp://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=25278615
DOI10.1126/science.1248012
Short TitleScience