Recent studies on the mechanisms that link metabolic changes with stem cell fate have
deepened our understanding of how specific metabolic pathways can regulate various stem cell functions
during the development of an organism. Although it was originally thought to be merely a consequence
of the specific cell state, metabolism is currently known to play a critical role in regulating
the self-renewal capacity, differentiation potential, and quiescence of stem cells. Many studies in recent
years have revealed that metabolic pathways regulate various stem cell behaviors (e.g., selfrenewal,
migration, and differentiation) by modulating energy production through glycolysis or oxidative
phosphorylation and by regulating the generation of metabolites, which can modulate multiple
signaling pathways. Therefore, a more comprehensive understanding of stem cell metabolism could
allow us to establish optimal culture conditions and differentiation methods that would increase stem
cell expansion and function for cell-based therapies. However, little is known about how metabolic
pathways regulate various stem cell functions. In this context, we review the current advances in
metabolic research that have revealed functional roles for mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation,
anaerobic glycolysis, and oxidative stress during the self-renewal, differentiation and aging of various
adult stem cell types. These approaches could provide novel strategies for the development of metabolic
or pharmacological therapies to promote the regenerative potential of stem cells and subsequently
promote their therapeutic utility.
Nrf2 is required to maintain the self-renewal of glioma stem cells