Redox regulation of stem cell function

Abstract

Stem cells are critical for tissue regeneration and homeostasis, and their regenerative potential has to be carefully managed to prevent degenerative diseases and cancer. In recent years, it has emerged that stem cells are uniquely sensitive to changes in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) (Hochmuth et al., Cell Stem Cell 8:1-12, 2011a; Ito et al., Nature 431:997-1002, 2004; Owusu-Ansah and Banerjee, Nature 461:537-541, 2009; Smith et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 97:10032-10037, 2000; Tothova et al., Cell 128:325-339, 2007; Tsatmali et al., Brain Res 1040:137-150, 2005). Dynamic regulation of intracellular ROS seems to be critical to control the regenerative potential and to avoid loss of self-renewal capabilities and pluripotency of stem cells. Here, we review these findings, highlighting recent observations in genetic model organisms that clarify the role of ROS in stem cell regulation.