Biophysical factors in the regulation of asymmetric division of stem cells

ABSTRACTStem cells are a promising cell source for regenerative medicine due to their characteristics of self ‐renewal and differentiation. The intricate balance between these two cell fates is maintained by precisely controlled symmetric and asymmetric cell divisions. Asymmetric division has a fundamental importance in maintaining tissue homeostasis and in the development of multi‐cellular organisms. F or example, during development, asymmetric cell divisions are responsible for the formation of the body axis. Mechanistically, mitotic spindle dynamics determine the assembly and separation of chromosomes and regulate the orientation of cell division. Interestingly, symmetric and asymmetric cell div ision is not mutually exclusive and a range of factors are involved in such cell‐fate decisions, the measurement of which can provide efficient and reliable information on the regenerative potential of a cell. The balance between self‐renewal and differentiation in stem cells is controlled by va rious biophysical and biochemical cues. Although the role of biochemical factors in asymmetric stem cell division has been widely studied, the effect of biophysical cues in stem‐cell self‐renewal is not comprehensively understood. Herein, we review the biological relevance of stem‐cell asymmet ric division to regenerative medicine and discuss the influences of various intrinsic and extrinsic biophysical cues in stem‐cell self‐renewal. This review particularly aims to infor...
Source: Biological Reviews - Category: Biology Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research