How Diet and Genes Interact to Shape Stem Cell Function
The interplay between dietary factors and genetic regulation plays a critical role in determining stem cell function, maintenance, and regenerative potential. Emerging research in nutritional genomics reveals that nutrients and bioactive dietary compounds can influence gene expression, epigenetic modifications, and cellular signaling pathways that govern stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Key nutrients such as vitamins (A, D, and C), polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and amino acids have been shown to modulate epigenetic regulators like DNA methyltransferases and histone acetyltransferases, thereby shaping the stem cell transcriptome and metabolic state. Moreover, genetic variations in nutrient metabolism genes can affect how individual stem cells respond to dietary inputs, linking personalized nutrition to regenerative outcomes. Understanding the molecular dialogue between diet and the stem cell genome offers a promising pathway toward optimizing tissue repair, slowing cellular aging, and developing targeted nutritional strategies that enhance regenerative medicine.