Stem cell self-renewal and differentiation are tightly regulated processes controlled by a network of context-dependent signalling pathways. These pathways control the fate of stem cell populations, ensuring that they can both maintain their undifferentiated state and give rise to specific cell types when required. Several key signalling pathways are particularly important in these processes. Wnt signalling plays dual roles in both self-renewal and differentiation. Wnt signalling can promote stem cell self-renewal by preventing the degradation of beta-catenin, which, when stabilized, enters the nucleus to activate target genes that maintain pluripotency. In the absence of Wnt signalling, beta-catenin is degraded, leading to stem cell differentiation into specific lineages. For example, in the intestinal epithelium, Wnt signalling is essential for the self-renewal of intestinal stem cells (ISCs). The Wnt pathway is active in the stem cell niche in intestinal crypts stabilizing β-catenin, allowing it to translocate into the nucleus and activate target genes involved in stem cell self-renewal, including Lgr5 and Ascl2. Wnt signalling also contributes to the production of Paneth cells in the intestinal crypts, which provide niche signals that support ISCs. Notch signalling plays a role in maintaining stem cell self-renewal by promoting asymmetric cell division. When a stem cell undergoes asymmetric division, Notch signalling can be activated in one of the daughter cells and not in the other, leading to the differential expression of Notch target genes and the establishment of distinct cell fates. In the daughter cell that receives active Notch signalling Notch activation suppresses differentiation by inhibiting the expression of genes associated with differentiation. Activation of Notch signalling however can conversely induce stem cell differentiation by regulating the expression of cell fate-determining genes. For example, in the developing nervous system, Notch signalling plays a role in promoting the differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) into neurons and glial cells. Activation of Notch by neighbouring cells through ligand-receptor interactions leads to the expression of downstream targets that drive NSC differentiation into neural progenitors, which give rise to neurons and glial cells. Similarly, in the hematopoietic system, Notch signalling is implicated in the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) into various blood cell lineages, with Notch signalling essential for T-cell lineage commitment and development. Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) can promote stem cell self-renewal through activation of the Smad signalling pathway, which influences the expression of genes involved in pluripotency. High levels of BMP signalling can however also trigger stem cell differentiation into various cell types, including bone and cartilage. Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) and BMP signalling pathways can maintain self-renewal in some stem cell types. Elevated TGF-β/BMP signalling can trigger differentiation, often into cell types with mesenchymal characteristics. Hedgehog signalling is essential for maintaining the self-renewal capacity of certain stem cell populations. Activation of Hedgehog signalling can initiate stem cell differentiation into specific lineages during embryonic development and tissue regeneration. Finally, Nodal/Activin signalling is involved in maintaining pluripotency and self-renewal in embryonic stem (ES) cells, with inhibition of Nodal/Activin signalling inducing their differentiation. We offer a large product range of research reagents for studying stem cell related signaling pathways, including Interferon gamma antibodies, beta Catenin antibodies, c-Myc antibodies, Interferon gamma ELISA Kits, and Smad3 ELISA Kits. Explore our full stem cell related signaling pathways product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our Wnt, TGF beta, and Notch product ranges.