Many Paths, Few Destinations: How Stem Cells Decide What They'll Be

The conventional view of how stem cells differentiate assumes that cells are "instructed" to progress along prescribed signaling pathways. However, new research shows that the decision is made collectively by an entire network of genes and proteins. It reveals an elegant yet simple system that maintains cells in a stable state, yet enables them to differentiate under the right conditions. The work also suggests a much more efficient way of differentiating stem cells for therapeutic purposes. The new evidence supports a 'systems' view -- and gives a glimpse at how it works.

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