A potential fate decision landscape of the TWEAK/Fn14 axis on stem and progenitor cells: a systematic review

Abstract Stem and progenitor cells (SPCs) possess self-remodeling ability and differentiation potential and are responsible for the regeneration and development of organs and tissue systems. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the regulation of SPC biology remain unclear. Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) acts on miscellaneous cells via binding to fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14) and exerts pleiotropic functions in the regulation of divergent stem cell fates. TWEAK/Fn14 signaling can regulate the proliferation, differentiation, and migration of multiple SPCs as well as tumorigenesis in certain contexts. Although TWEAK’s roles in modulating multiple SPCs are sparsely reported, the systemic effector functions of this multifaceted protein have not been fully elucidated. In this review, we summarized the fate decisions of TWEAK/Fn14 signaling on multiple stem cells and characterized its potential in stem cell therapy.