Review
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World J Stem Cells. Oct 26, 2013; 5(4): 172-187
Published online Oct 26, 2013. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v5.i4.172
MicroRNAs as novel regulators of stem cell fate
Eunhyun Choi, Eunmi Choi, Ki-Chul Hwang
Eunmi Choi, Ki-Chul Hwang, Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-752, South Korea
Eunhyun Choi, Severance Integrative Research Institute for Cerebral & Cardiovascular Disease, Yonsei University Health System, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-752, South Korea
Author contributions: All authors contributed to the writing, the illustrations and the revision of this manuscript.
Supported by This research was supported by a South Korea Science and Engineering Foundation grant funded by the South Korea government (MEST) (2011-0019243, 2011-0019254), a grant from the South Korea Health 21 R and D Project, Ministry of Health and Welfare, South Korea (A120478), and a grant from the Korea Health 21 R and D Project, Ministry of Health and Welfare, South Korea (A085136).
Correspondence to: Ki-Chul Hwang, PhD, Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-752, South Korea. kchwang@yuhs.ac
Telephone: +82-2-22288523 Fax: +82-2-3651878
Received: June 28, 2013
Revised: July 23, 2013
Accepted: August 16, 2013
Published online: October 26, 2013
Processing time: 125 Days and 2.9 Hours
Core Tip

Core tip: Stem cells are important in regenerative medicine applications due to their capacity to self-renew and differentiate into specific cell types. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Recent studies suggest that miRNAs are key molecules in the regulation of stem cell fate decisions; this regulation is manifested as the fine tuning of cell- and tissue-specific gene expression. This review summarizes the current insights into stem cell fate determination by miRNAs and focuses on stem cell self-renewal, differentiation, and reprogramming. Small molecules that control stem cell fate are also highlighted.