The mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) is a mitochondrial protein quality control mechanism that is involved in many pathophysiological activities and maintains cellular homeostasis. The UPRmt signaling pathway in both Caenorhabditis elegans and mammals has gained much attention in recent years. Many studies have reported the general function of UPRmt, including the relationship between UPRmt and longevity, survival, apoptosis, innate immunity, cancer growth, and neurodegenerative diseases. Stem cells are capable of self-renewing and differentiating, thus playing an important role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and tissue regeneration. Although the role and regulation of UPRmt in somatic cells have been widely studied, the regulatory mechanism of UPRmt in stem cells is not fully known. Thus, in this article, the regulatory role of UPRmt in stem cell proliferation, cellular differentiation, and aging is reviewed. This review aims to provide novel insights for UPRmt promoting stem cell rejuvenation and improving life span in mammals.
Keywords: aging; differentiation; mitochondrial protein control; mitochondrial unfolded protein response; proliferation; stem cell.