Effects of Neuropeptide Y on Stem Cells and Their Potential Applications in Disease Therapy

Figure 1

Main effects of NPY on different stem cells. NPY exerts multiple regulatory effects on MSC functions, including proliferation (via Y5R), differentiation (via Y2R and Y1R), migration, tube formation, and expression of VEGF and CXCR4. NPY could promote the proliferation and differentiation of NSPCs through corresponding Y receptors. Meanwhile, NPY could stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of ADSCs as well as the survival and mobilization of HSPC. In addition, exogenous NPY supports the long-term self-renewal and proliferation of undifferentiated ESCs via the Y1 and Y5 receptors. In the figure, the NPY receptor symbols symbolized their functional involvement in the regulation of NPY on different stem cells. NSPCs—neural stem/precursor cells; MSCs—mesenchymal stem cells; HSPC—hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells; ADSCs—adipose-derived stem cells; ESCs—embryonic stem cells; SVZ—subventricular zone; SCZ—subcallosal zone.