Cellular signaling in tissue regeneration

With recent progress in stem cell-based research, there has been tremendous interest in stem cell-based tissue regeneration. Stem cells can be differe ntiated into specialized cells/tissues by growth factors and cytokines. The se small molecules are thought to play an important role in both wound heal ing and tissue regeneration. However, their biological activity and signal transduction during tissue regeneration are poorly understood. With recent advances in signal transduction by growth factors, the receptor kinases and G protein-coupled receptors, an understanding in the underlying mechanism of how these factors regulate tissue regeneration beginning to take place. In this review, the potential underlying mechanisms of growth factor signal ing in normal tissue regeneration and chronic wound healing is discussed. T hus, it is an aim to provide a basis for designing more specific therapies fur tissue regeneration in the near future.