Stanford study highlights glucose's surprising role in cell differentiation

A Stanford Medicine study has revealed that glucose, the primary energy source for cells, also regulates tissue differentiation—guiding stem cells to develop into specialized cells. Unlike its traditional role as an energy source, glucose achieves this by binding to proteins that control gene expression.

The researchers initially sought molecules linked to cellular differentiation and unexpectedly found glucose levels increasing in differentiating skin cells. This trend was confirmed in various tissues, including fat, bone, and blood cells. Further experiments demonstrated that glucose regulates differentiation independently of its metabolic role. Low glucose levels impaired differentiation, affecting over 3,000 genes, but differentiation resumed when glucose analogs were introduced.

The study suggests broader implications for diabetes, impaired wound healing, and cancer, where differentiation failure is a key factor. These findings open a new field of research into glucose’s non-metabolic functions and its potential therapeutic applications.

31-03-2025

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