Subtle cues can dictate the fate of stem cells

Posted on by lytal
Inhibition of GSK3 is critical for maintaining embryonic stem cell (ESC) identity (left panel, ESCs are differentiating without inhibition of GSK3; right panel, self-renewing ESCs when GSK3 is inhibited). (Image by Xi Chen/Ying Lab)

If you’ve seen one GSK3 molecule, do not assume that you have seen them all. A new study in Developmental Cell reveals important differences in two similar forms of GSK3, which, in excess, is implicated in diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and ALS.

In the study, first author Xi Chen—a PhD student in the USC Stem Cell laboratory of Qi-Long Ying—describes how the two similar forms—known as GSK3-beta and GSK3-alpha—can produce very different reactions in embryonic stem cells. Inhibiting GSK3-beta can promote stem cell self-renewal, while inhibiting GSK3-alpha can trigger differentiation into neural cells.

To read more, visit stemcell.usc.edu/2017/12/04/subtle-cues-can-dictate-the-fate-of-stem-cells.