RNA-Mediated Regulation of Glycolysis in Embryonic Stem Cell Pluripotency and Differentiation

The maintenance and differentiation of embryonic stem cells are strictly coordinated with their metabolic status. As a core part of cellular metabolism, glycolysis provides energy and biomolecules important for stem cell proliferation and functions. Particularly, the differentiation of embryonic stem cells is associated with metabolic shifts between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. However, how these metabolic swifts are regulated is still not completely known. This review aims to highlight recent advances in regulation of glycolysis at different stages of embryonic stem cells.

Through modulating glycolysis, multiple types of RNA molecules and RNA-binding proteins are critically involved in regulation of the self-renewal, pluripotency, and differentiation of embryonic stem cells.

RNA-mediated glycolytic regulation in embryonic stem cells is important for their maintenance and transitions between different stages of differentiation. Better understanding of these riboregulatory mechanisms will have potential for future research and therapeutic innovation.