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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

The use of SC1 (Pluripotin) to Support mESC Self-renewal in the Absence of LIF
05:58

The use of SC1 (Pluripotin) to Support mESC Self-renewal in the Absence of LIF

Published on: November 18, 2009

Interaction of galectin-1 with caveolae induces mouse embryonic stem cell proliferation through the Src, ERas, Akt

M Y Lee1, S H Lee, J H Park

  • 1Department of Veterinary Physiology, Biotherapy Human Resources Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea.

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS
|March 7, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Galectin-1 promotes embryonic stem cell self-renewal by increasing DNA synthesis. This process involves key signaling pathways including Src, caveolin-1, Akt, and mTOR.

Area of Science:

  • Stem Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Embryonic stem (ES) cell self-renewal is crucial for development and regenerative medicine.
  • The precise mechanisms regulating ES cell self-renewal are complex and not fully understood.
  • Galectins are implicated in cellular processes, but their role in ES cell self-renewal requires elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of galectin-1 in maintaining mouse embryonic stem cell self-renewal.
  • To identify the specific molecular pathways mediating galectin-1's effects on ES cells.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed DNA synthesis using [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation.
  • Measured expression levels of cyclins and p27(kip1).
  • Analyzed protein phosphorylation of Src, caveolin-1, Akt, and mTOR using Western blotting and specific inhibitors (PP2, Mbeta-CD, ERas siRNA, LY294002, Akt inhibitor, rapamycin).

Main Results:

  • Galectin-1 significantly increased [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation and cyclin expression while decreasing p27(kip1) expression.
  • Galectin-1 induced phosphorylation of Src, caveolin-1, Akt, and mTOR.
  • Inhibition of Src, caveolin-1, Akt, or mTOR pathways abrogated galectin-1's effects on DNA synthesis and cyclin expression.

Conclusions:

  • Galectin-1 enhances DNA synthesis in mouse ES cells.
  • The pro-self-renewal effects of galectin-1 are mediated through the Src, caveolin-1, Akt, and mTOR signaling cascade.

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