A new dimension in stem cell signaling
The researchers revealed for the first time, that ERK, a key player in stem cell signaling processes information through fast activity pulses. ERK activity pulses every six to seven minutes.
The researchers revealed for the first time, that ERK, a key player in stem cell signaling processes information through fast activity pulses. ERK activity pulses every six to seven minutes. Oscillations are recognized of signaling processes. In fact, the duration of the pulsing interval, might encode information essential for divergent fate decision in stem cell cultures. Presumably, it is the switch from pulsing to silence that plays a decisive role.
During their development, stem cells go through a series of steps. The transition between those steps is controlled by signaling molecules that are exchanged between neighboring cells. One of the most critical signals during early mammalian embryogenesis is the fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4). When it is recognized by a cell, this information is processed by a network of signaling proteins, resulting in a cellular response. The key players of the network, their role and interactions are by well known, however only little is known about the signaling dynamics.
Dynamics determine cell fate. For example, two different molecular signals trigger different cellular responses—differentiation and cell growth—even though they use the same signal transduction network. This is possible because the dynamics with which the signal transduction system is activated are specific for each of the two molecular signals: Whereas one activates the system for a short time leading to cell growth, the other activates the same system for a long time resulting in differentiation.
Researcher were now able to gain a better understanding of the fast signaling dynamics in stem cells. By introducing a fluorescent sensor in living stem cells, the scientists could measure the activity of the major signaling protein ERK in real-time. ERK activity is important for translating molecular signals into a genetic response and thus for regulating stem cell differentiation.
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