G protein-mediated pathways and stem cell proliferation and differentiation

Abstract

The current popular targets of GPCR activate intracellular signal transduction by binding to G proteins. The drugs developed by it can inhibit the proliferation and migration of cancer cells and promote their programmed cell death. It can be linked to the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells, providing new ideas for regenerative medicine. Research progress has shown that through different Gα subunit activation pathways, these pathways can integrate multiple extracellular signals (growth factors, chemokines, hormones, mechanical forces), and determine the behavior of stem cells by regulating the core transcription factor network. However, there is a lack of detailed depiction and mechanism analysis of the dynamicity (time, space, cellular heterogeneity) and integrative (multi-dimensional signal input, especially mechanical force input in three-dimensional physical environment) of G protein signaling networks in specific stem cell environments. This article analyzed the signals and their correlations mediated by some GPCRs, and recognized their importance in regulating stem cell activities. Regulating the activities of stem cells through GPCRs not only promotes the in vitro cultivation of tissues and organs, but also provides new drug development ideas for human self-healing. However, to understand the complexity of the signals (which may function differently under different time and environmental conditions), further research and analysis are still needed.