ECM Support:

Function: Guides stem cell behaviour.

Role: Maintains undifferentiated state or guides differentiation

Neighbouring Cells:

Examples: Fibroblasts, nearby cell types.

Role: Contribute via direct cell-to-cell interactions

Soluble Signalling Factors:

Types: Growth factors, cytokines.

Role: Regulate self-renewal and differentiation

Physical Parameters:

Aspects: Shear stress, tissue stiffness, topography.

Impact: Influences stem cell behaviour, e.g., differentiation

Environmental Signals:

Examples: Metabolites, hypoxia, inflammation.

Impact: Affects stem cell maintenance and differentiation

Review: Cell Differentiation and Gene Expression (The Living Cell)