Therapeutic role of PTEN in tissue regeneration for management of neurological disorders: stem cell behaviors to an in-depth review

Cell Death and Disease, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41419-024-06657-y · Published: April 8, 2024

Regenerative Medicine Neurology Genetics

Simple Explanation

PTEN is a gene that helps control many cell processes, including growth and movement. It is also important for stem cells, which can turn into different types of cells. This review looks at how PTEN affects stem cells in the brain and spinal cord, and how this relates to neurological disorders like autism, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. Understanding PTEN's role could lead to new treatments for these disorders by helping to repair and regenerate damaged tissues in the nervous system.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review Article

Key Findings

1
PTEN plays a crucial role in stem cell self-renewal, proliferation, differentiation, survival and metabolism.
2
PTEN directly or indirectly governs the expressions of a remarkably large number of genes and proteins.
3
PTEN participates in the management of various neurological disorders through coordinating signaling transduction.

Research Summary

This review provides a comprehensive overview of how PTEN regulates the activities of different stem cell populations and influences neurological disorders. PTEN's mechanistic workings involve diverse signaling pathways in different neurological disorders, achieving similar outcomes by regulating neurogenesis and stem cell niches. Further studies are needed to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying PTEN regulation of tissue stem cell response to physiological and pathological stimuli.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Target

PTEN shows promise as a therapeutic target in regenerative medicine for neurological disorders due to its diverse roles in pluripotent and somatic stem cells.

Treatment Strategies

Genetic manipulation of PTEN in stem cells, like ADSCs, offers a potential strategy for stem cell therapy to treat SCI and other neurological conditions.

Drug Development

Understanding PTEN’s role can lead to opportunities for drug development targeting cancer and neurological diseases.

Study Limitations

1
Molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of PTEN in fate determination of diverse stem cell populations are still not fully illustrated yet.
2
The lineage gap between stem cells and progenitor cells status is not always strict in vivo.
3
An interdisciplinary approach is needed to uncover the molecular mechanisms of PTEN in response to different stimuli.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Regenerative Medicine