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

Hans Clevers, Kyle M. Loh, Roel Nusse

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

1028 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Stem 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, in doing so, identify an integral program for tissue renewal and regeneration.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1248012
JournalScience
Volume346
Issue number6205
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Oct 2014
Externally publishedYes

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