Metabolic Regulation of Tissue Stem Cells

Trends Cell Biol. 2020 Jul;30(7):566-576. doi: 10.1016/j.tcb.2020.04.004. Epub 2020 Apr 28.

Abstract

Adult tissue stem cells mediate organ homeostasis and regeneration and thus are continually making decisions about whether to remain quiescent, proliferate, or differentiate into mature cell types. These decisions often integrate external cues, such as energy balance and the nutritional status of the organism. Metabolic substrates and byproducts that regulate epigenetic and signaling pathways are now appreciated to have instructive rather than bystander roles in regulating cell fate decisions. In this review, we highlight recent literature focused on how metabolites and dietary manipulations can impact cell fate decisions, with a focus on the regulation of adult tissue stem cells.

Keywords: adult stem cells; diet; differentiation; metabolism; metabolomics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diet
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Organ Specificity*
  • Stem Cells / metabolism*