O-GlcNAcylation and Stem Cells

Stem cells are special cells that can give rise to all types of somatic cells. Stem cells possess two distinct and fundamental properties: self-renewal and pluripotency. These two properties are intricately regulated through complex mechanisms during early embryogenesis and development. Recent evidence has shown that O-GlcNAcylation plays a pivotal role in regulating stem cell identity and cell fate decision. Here, we summarize key developments in the field, highlighting the functional role of O-GlcNAcylation in regulating transcription factors, epigenetic regulators, and lineage-specific differentiation. Understanding the role of O-GlcNAcylation in stem cells may provide opportunities for exploring molecular details of early development and therapeutics in regenerative medicine.