Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 21, 2025

Fate Mapping of Human Embryonic Stem Cells by Teratoma Formation
Published on: August 1, 2010
A Metabolic Roadmap for Somatic Stem Cell Fate
C Hai Ly1, Gordon S Lynch1, James G Ryall1
1Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
Abstract:
While metabolism was initially thought to play a passive role in cell biology by generating ATP to meet bioenergetic demands, recent studies have identified critical roles for metabolism in the generation of new biomass and provision of obligate substrates for the epigenetic modification of histones and DNA. This review details how metabolites generated through glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle are utilized by somatic stem cells to support cell proliferation and lineage commitment. Importantly, we also discuss the evolving hypothesis that histones can act as an energy reservoir during times of energy stress. Finally, we discuss how cells integrate both extrinsic metabolic cues and intrinsic metabolic machinery to regulate cell fate.
Related Concept Videos
Somatic to iPS Cell Reprogramming
Lineage Commitment
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Somatic...
Stem Cell Niche
Methods of Nuclear Reprogramming
Multipotency of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

