About this Research Topic
Stem cells possess the unique abilities of self-renewal and differentiation into various cell types, making them highly valuable for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. However, their behavior is not solely governed by intrinsic genetic and epigenetic factors; external factors play a critical role in modulating their fate. These external factors, which include the microenvironment, receptor-ligand interactions, and mechanical forces, are pivotal in maintaining stem cell pluripotency, preventing or inducing senescence, and guiding differentiation. Understanding how these external factors influence stem cells can provide profound insights into optimizing stem cell-based therapies and improving clinical outcomes.
This Research Topic aims to explore the diverse external factors that regulate stem cell pluripotency, senescence, and differentiation. This Research Topic aims to consolidate the latest research on the external factors influencing stem cell behavior, providing a platform for discussing innovative methodologies, mechanistic insights, and future therapeutic applications. The goal is to compile a comprehensive overview of current knowledge and future directions in this critical area of stem cell research.
Areas of interest include but are not limited to:
Role of the Microenvironment in Stem Cell Regulation
• Influence of the extracellular matrix (ECM) on stem cell behavior and niche maintenance.
• Interactions between stem cells and neighboring cells, including fibroblasts, immune cells, and endothelial cells.
• Impact of hypoxia, pH, and mechanical forces on stem cell fate decisions.
Receptor-Ligand Interactions and Signaling Pathways
• Mechanisms of receptor-mediated signaling in stem cell self-renewal and differentiation.
• The impact of growth factors, cytokines, and hormones on stem cell fate.
Regulation of Stem Cell Behavior by Bioactive Substances
• Effects of natural and synthetic compounds on stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and self-renewal.
• Mechanisms through which bioactive substances modulate stem cell function and resist aging.
• Examples of key substances influencing stem cell fate and therapeutic potential.
The editors welcome different article types including Original Research, Reviews and Mini-Reviews, Methods, Brief Research Reports, and Perspectives. A full list of accepted article types, including descriptions, can be found at this link.
This Research Topic aims to explore the diverse external factors that regulate stem cell pluripotency, senescence, and differentiation. This Research Topic aims to consolidate the latest research on the external factors influencing stem cell behavior, providing a platform for discussing innovative methodologies, mechanistic insights, and future therapeutic applications. The goal is to compile a comprehensive overview of current knowledge and future directions in this critical area of stem cell research.
Areas of interest include but are not limited to:
Role of the Microenvironment in Stem Cell Regulation
• Influence of the extracellular matrix (ECM) on stem cell behavior and niche maintenance.
• Interactions between stem cells and neighboring cells, including fibroblasts, immune cells, and endothelial cells.
• Impact of hypoxia, pH, and mechanical forces on stem cell fate decisions.
Receptor-Ligand Interactions and Signaling Pathways
• Mechanisms of receptor-mediated signaling in stem cell self-renewal and differentiation.
• The impact of growth factors, cytokines, and hormones on stem cell fate.
Regulation of Stem Cell Behavior by Bioactive Substances
• Effects of natural and synthetic compounds on stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and self-renewal.
• Mechanisms through which bioactive substances modulate stem cell function and resist aging.
• Examples of key substances influencing stem cell fate and therapeutic potential.
The editors welcome different article types including Original Research, Reviews and Mini-Reviews, Methods, Brief Research Reports, and Perspectives. A full list of accepted article types, including descriptions, can be found at this link.
Keywords: stem cells, niche, microenvironment, hypoxia, pH, mechanical forces, growth factors, bioactive substaces, stem cell renewal, stem cell differentiation
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
