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Updated: Jul 5, 2025

Probing for Mitochondrial Complex Activity in Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Published on: June 17, 2008
Emerging roles of mitochondrial functions and epigenetic changes in the modulation of stem cell fate
Chensong Zhang1, Yang Meng1, Junhong Han2
1State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
Abstract:
Mitochondria serve as essential organelles that play a key role in regulating stem cell fate. Mitochondrial dysfunction and stem cell exhaustion are two of the nine distinct hallmarks of aging. Emerging research suggests that epigenetic modification of mitochondria-encoded genes and the regulation of epigenetics by mitochondrial metabolites have an impact on stem cell aging or differentiation. Here, we review how key mitochondrial metabolites and behaviors regulate stem cell fate through an epigenetic approach. Gaining insight into how mitochondria regulate stem cell fate will help us manufacture and preserve clinical-grade stem cells under strict quality control standards, contributing to the development of aging-associated organ dysfunction and disease.
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