Two Opposing Faces of Retinoic Acid: Induction of Stemness or Differentiation Depending on Cell Type

The document reviewed the dual role of retinoic acid (RA) in regulating stemness and differentiation, with effects varying by cell type and context. In breast cancer, RA either promoted or suppressed tumor growth, influenced by genetic and epigenetic factors. For instance, RA activated the Src-YAP-IL6 pathway in MDA-MB-231 cells, enhancing metastasis, while inhibiting it in MDA-MB-468 cells, reducing invasion. RA also increased stemness in MCF-7 cells through specific pathways. Beyond cancer, RA sustained pluripotency in stem cells, influenced neurogenesis, and played roles in tissue regeneration and spermatogenesis. The study highlighted RA's complex, context-dependent effects, emphasizing the need to understand its pathways for therapeutic applications in cancer and regenerative medicine.