Ligands of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) family members have been implicated in the development and patho-physiological process of various organs. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are characterized by their ability to proliferate indefinitely and differentiated into all three germ layer cells, which are termed as pluripotency and self-renewal,respectively. For successful therapeutic application of ESCs, it is essential to understand the mechanisms underlying self-renewal and pluripotency, which involve complex networks among key factors including transcription factors, epigenetic control, microRNAs and signaling pathways. In this review, we discuss recent progress on the function of TGF beta family ligands and their canonical SMAD signaling in the maintenance of ESC' s identity.
Keywords: Activin; Embryonic stem cell; Lefty; Nodal; Pluripotency; Reprogramming; TGF-beta.