Molecular Regulation of Cellular Quiescence: A Perspective from Adult Stem Cells and Its Niches

Abstract

Cellular quiescence is a reversible growth arrest state. In response to extracellular environment, quiescent cells are capable of resuming proliferation for tissue homeostasis and tissue regeneration. Subpopulations of adult stem cells remain quiescent and reside in their specialized stem cell niches. Within the niche, they interact with a repertoire of niche components. Niche integrates signals to maintain quiescence or gear stem cells toward regeneration. Recent studies provide insights into the regulatory components of stem cell niche and their influence on residing stem cells. Aberrant niche activities perturb stem cell quiescence and activation, compromise stem cell functions, and contribute to tissue aging and disease pathogenesis. This review covers current knowledge regarding cellular quiescence with a focus on original and emerging concepts of how niches influence stem cell quiescence.

Keywords: Aging; Bulge; Cellular quiescence; Endosteal niche; Hair follicle stem cell; Hematopoietic stem cell; Myofiber; Niche; Satellite cell; Skeletal muscle; Stem cell.