Stem Cell Signaling Compounds Small Molecules and Peptides

Stem cell generation, self-renewal and differentiation are controlled by various intra- and extracellular cues. In vivo, the microenvironment responsible for maintaining stem cells in pluripotent form and enabling their self-renewal is called the stem-cell niche. Environmental factors and certain signal pathways, such as the Wnt, JAK-STAT and TGF-β/BMP pathways, contribute to the maintenance of this niche.

Communication between the stem cells within this environment helps coordinate the ...