Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 24, 2026
13:03
Epigenetic Regulation of Cardiac Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells and Tissues
Published on: June 3, 2016
8.7K
Physical Signals May Affect Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation via Epigenetic Controls
Janet Rubin1, Maya Styner1, Gunes Uzer1
1Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC.
Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews
|August 11, 2017
Summary
Exercise influences bone and fat by regulating stem cell fate. This involves nuclear signaling pathways and intranuclear actin structures that control gene expression for cell differentiation.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Marrow mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into osteoblasts (bone cells) and adipocytes (fat cells).
- Exercise impacts body composition by modulating the balance between bone formation and fat storage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms by which exercise regulates mesenchymal stem cell fate.
- To explore the role of nuclear signaling and intranuclear actin in exercise-induced changes in bone and fat.
Main Methods:
- The study proposes a model involving signal transduction from the cytoplasm to the nucleus.
- Focuses on the role of intranuclear actin structures in regulating gene expression.
Main Results:
- Exercise-induced signals are transferred from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, regulating gene expression.
- Intranuclear actin structures are implicated in controlling stem cell fate and epigenetic modifications.
Conclusions:
- Exercise regulates mesenchymal stem cell differentiation towards bone or fat lineages.
- Structural connections to the nucleus and intranuclear actin are key mediators of exercise's effects on stem cell fate and epigenetics.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Mesenchymal Stem Cells
5.7K
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells that can differentiate into most connective tissue cell types, except for hematopoietic cells, depending upon the source of MSCs. For example, bone-marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) can differentiate into osteocytes, hepatocytes, and pancreatic and neuronal cells. MSCs can be isolated from various sources such as bone marrow, placenta, adipose tissue, teeth, and Wharton’s jelly, a gelatinous substance in the umbilical cord. The ease of their...
5.7K
01:14Maintenance of the ES Cell State
2.8K
The cells of the blastocyst inner cell mass only remain pluripotent for a short time. This state of pluripotency and self-renewal can be maintained in embryonic stem (ES) cell culture by adding specific chemicals or growth factors to ensure the cells can continue dividing and later differentiate into different cell types. In some cases, the cells are grown on a feeder layer of differentiated cells, which provides the growth factors and extracellular matrix components necessary for stem cell...
2.8K
01:26Stem Cell Niche
6.4K
The stem cell niche is the dynamic microenvironment where stem cells reside. Inside these niches, the cells may remain undifferentiated, undergo high self-renewal, or become lineage-specific progenitors. Stem cells coexist with other niche cells, such as stromal cells. They also interact closely with the ECM. Cell-cell and cell-matrix communication occur via adhesion molecules or soluble factors that signal the stem cells and determine their fate. Stromal cells also provide survival signals to...
6.4K
01:37Epigenetic Regulation
4.0K
Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
X-chromosome...
4.0K
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
34.0K
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
34.0K
01:32Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells
2.2K
Chromatin modification alters gene expression; therefore, scientists can add histone-modifying enzymes, histone variants, and chromatin remodeling complexes to somatic cells to aid reprogramming into pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.
Compact chromatin makes reprogramming difficult. Enzymes, such as histone demethylases and acetyltransferases, are often added during reprogramming to loosen the chromatin, making the DNA more accessible to transcription factors. Molecules that inhibit histone...
Compact chromatin makes reprogramming difficult. Enzymes, such as histone demethylases and acetyltransferases, are often added during reprogramming to loosen the chromatin, making the DNA more accessible to transcription factors. Molecules that inhibit histone...
2.2K