Is CITED2 a general regulator of stem cell functions

In vertebrates, stem cells play a fundamental role in embryogenesis and lifetime homeostasis of adult tissues. The transcriptional regulator Cited2 is essential for many mouse developmental and morphological processes, and mutations in human CITED2 gene have repeatedly been associated with congenital heart defects. An increasing number of studies have now described the importance of Cited2 in self-renewal and cell fate decision of embryonic stem cells (ESC) and some adult stem cells. Interestingly, the loss of stem cell properties due to aging or extensive regeneration of some adult stem cells has been associated with a decrease of Cited2 expression, while an aberrant increase in CITED2 expression might play a critical role in malignant oncologic processes. Here, we review recent advances unravelling the complexity of Cited2 function as a regulator of the maintenance and cell fate decision of ESC and adult stem cells, and present its potential role in pathological conditions by modulating stem cells properties.