Redox Control of Stem Cell Fate: From Niche Biology to Regenerative Medicine

In cellular biology, the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has evolved from being perceived merely as harmful metabolic byproducts to pivotal regulators of stem cell fate. While excessive ROS levels are known to induce DNA damage and cell death, recent findings have revealed the complex interplay between ROS, metabolism, and redox signaling pathways in governing stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. This delicate balance is essential for proper embryogenesis and the maintenance of tissue homeostasis throughout the organism’s lifespan, with strengthened antioxidant pathways playing a crucial role in preserving stemness, identity, proliferation, and differentiation capacity. Emerging advances in the field have further expanded our understanding of redox biology in stem cells, highlighting ferroptosis as a defined oxidative cell death pathway that is reshaping perspectives on stem cell vulnerability and cancer stem cell targeting, mitochondrial ROS dynamics as critical determinants of stem cell quiescence and activation, and NAD⁺/sirtuin-dependent mechanisms regulating the ageing stem cell niche. In parallel, innovative technologies such as organoid models and live-cell redox imaging are providing unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution of niche dynamics and redox regulation.This Research Topic seeks to enhance our understanding of how ROS modulation affects stem cell behavior, examining both the protective and differentiation-inducing roles of ROS under a variety of physiological and pathological conditions. The aim is to elucidate the mechanisms through which ROS and redox signaling influence stem cell homeostasis and lineage determination, and to explore their implications for the development of effective stem cell therapies. A major challenge remains the translation of this knowledge into clinical practice, particularly in identifying and manipulating the specific triggers and conditions under which redox switches occur, thereby opening new avenues for therapeutic intervention.To gather further insights into the complex regulation of stem cell functions related to redox dynamics, this Research Topic welcomes articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Redox signaling in embryonic and adult stem cells• The impact of redox homeostasis on stem cell metabolism• ROS regulation in cancer stem cells• Systems for redox regulation during in vitro stem cell expansion• Exploring the redox-modifying potential of stem cell therapies Topic editors: Tullia Maraldi, Francesca Beretti, Francesco Alviano Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/82578/redox-control-of-stem-cell-fate-from-niche-biology-to-regenerative-medicine