Influence of Amino Acid Metabolism on Embryonic Stem Cell Function and Differentiation.

ABSTRACT: Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have promise in regenerative medicine because of their ability to differentiate into all 3 primary germ layers. This review describes recent advances in the understanding of the link between the metabolism of ESCs/iPSCs and their maintenance/differentiation in the cell culture setting, with particular emphasis on amino acid (AA) metabolism. ESCs are endowed with unique metabolic features with regard to energy consumption, metabolite flux through particular pathways, and macromolecular synthesis. Therefore, nutrient availability has a strong influence on stem cell growth, self-renewal, and lineage specification, both in vivo and in vitro. Evidence from several laboratories has documented that self-renewal and differentia

SUBMITTER: Kilberg MS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4942862 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature