Abstract

We are devoting our efforts to understand the mechanisms that govern the biology of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which can differentiate into mesenchymal and non-mesenchymal tissues, support hematopoiesis, and contribute to the body’s homeostasis. The analyses of which molecules participate in cell cycle regulation of several stem cell lineages are not exhaustive yet. Moreover, the strict relation between cell cycle regulation, cell self-renewal, cell commitment and induction to differentiation has not been fully understood and seems to be dependent on the cell type. The retinoblastoma family genes, RB, RB2/P130, and P107, has a major role in controlling the G₁/S transition. In addition, this protein family plays an important role in regulating other cellular processes, such as differentiation and senescence. Evidences on the function of the retinoblastoma family members in the control of stem cell biology have been biased by the fact that the majority of the researchers focused their attention mainly on RB protein. To date, data on the role of p107 and Rb2/p130 on stem cell biology are still inadequate. This work analyzes the role of the retinoblastoma family proteins in the MSC functions since the mechanisms that regulate the relative quiescence of MSCs and their association with self-renewal and cell commitment is still unclear. Understanding the mechanisms that govern these transitions will provide important insights into cell-cycle regulation of MSCs and their potential therapeutic approaches.

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