The Force Is Strong with This One: Metabolism Overpowers Stem Cell Fate

The review from July 1, 2018, discussed how stem cells, including those in the intestinal and hair follicle regions, have unique metabolic characteristics compared to their differentiated counterparts, favoring anaerobic glycolysis over mitochondrial carbohydrate oxidation. Previously, it was believed that a stem cell's metabolism was a result of its environment. However, recent studies have shown that metabolism actually plays a crucial role in determining stem cell fate, suggesting that it is an intrinsic feature of the cell rather than just a byproduct of its surroundings. The review emphasized the importance of understanding how metabolic processes influence stem cell maintenance and function.