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Updated: Nov 15, 2025

Probing for Mitochondrial Complex Activity in Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Published on: June 17, 2008
Mitochondria as Signaling Organelles Control Mammalian Stem Cell Fate
Ram Prosad Chakrabarty1, Navdeep S Chandel1
1Department of Medicine, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
Abstract:
Recent evidence supports the notion that mitochondrial metabolism is necessary for the determination of stem cell fate. Historically, mitochondrial metabolism is linked to the production of ATP and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle metabolites to support stem cell survival and growth, respectively. However, it is now clear that beyond these canonical roles, mitochondria as signaling organelles dictate stem cell fate and function. In this review, we focus on key conceptual ideas on how mitochondria control mammalian stem cell fate and function through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, TCA cycle metabolite production, NAD+/NADH ratio regulation, pyruvate metabolism, and mitochondrial dynamics.
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