Cdks and cyclins link G1 length and differentiation of embryonic, neural and hematopoietic stem cells

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

It is long known that stem cell differentiation correlates with a lengthening of the cell cycle, in particular G1. Moreover, models were proposed for mammalian embryonic, neural and hematopoietic stem cells whereby lengthening of G1 is a cause, rather than a consequence, of differentiation. These models are based on the concept that time, i.e., G1 length, may be a limiting factor for cell fate change to occur because differentiation factors require time in order to trigger a physiological response. Despite the many correlative studies, this hypothesis proved difficult to demonstrate because most trophic, signaling or transcription factors involved in stem cell differentiation may concurrently, but independently, also have an effect on cell cycle progression, which calls for a thorough review on the differentiation role of genes whose best characterized and long established function is exclusively to control G1. For this reason, we here focus our attention on the effects that the core molecular machinery controlling G1 progression, i.e., the G1-specific cyclin dependent kinase (cdk)/cyclin complexes, have on stem cell differentiation. In particular, we will discuss the effects of G1-cdks/cyclins on differentiation of embryonic, neural and hematopoietic stem cells during development and adulthood, for which a role of G1 length has been proposed.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1893-1900
Number of pages8
JournalCell Cycle
Volume9
Issue number10
Publication statusPublished - 15 May 2010
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 77953625257
PubMed 20436288

Keywords

Research priority areas of TU Dresden

DFG Classification of Subject Areas according to Review Boards

Keywords

  • Animals, Cell Cycle/genetics, Cell Differentiation/physiology, Cyclin-Dependent Kinases/metabolism, Cyclins/metabolism, Embryonic Stem Cells/cytology, Hematopoietic Stem Cells/cytology, Humans, Neural Stem Cells/cytology