Stem cells in organogenesis and regeneration

Abstract

Stem cells are the basis of organogenesis and regeneration, providing cellular support during the development, maintenance, and repair of tissues. This review provides a brief overview of the major stem cell types and their sources, as well as the key stages of organogenesis that depend on stem cell activity. This review highlights critical signalling pathways, including Wnt, Notch, Hedgehog, and BMP. These pathways regulate the fate and lineage specification of stem cells. The review identifies the roles of embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells in organ formation as well as the newly arising methods for directed differentiation. Mesenchymal stem cells play a crucial role in tissue regeneration and therapeutic repair. Organoids are potent experimental models for studying development and disease. The impact of stem cell niches and microenvironmental regulation is discussed, along with the cellular and molecular processes that underlie recovery after damage. The review encompasses the translational progress of stem-cell-based therapies, current clinical trials, and the challenges in safety and efficacy. Moreover, the review also explores the introduction of advanced technologies, such as CRISPR, 3D bioprinting, and synthetic biology, as well as theoretical considerations, including future directions and ethical issues. Together, these insights provide a comprehensive overview of stem cell biology and highlight their potential for clinical translation. © The Author(s) 2026.