Stem cells are broadly classified into two categories; embryonic stem cell and somatic stem cell. Both types of stem cells can be differentiated into many cell types of the body with a different capability. Blood cells are examples of the cells that can be derived from both embryonic and somatic stem cells, both in vivo and in vitro. In adults, blood cells are mainly derived from hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) in the bone marrow. HSC growth and differentiation is tightly regulated which require both intrinsic and extrinsic signals. In this regard, transcription factors are critical for the development of HSC and specific cell lineages, in part, by regulating the expression of hematopoietic growth factor (HGF) receptors, other transcription factors and lineage specific genes transcription. This review will focus on the role of Id transcription factors in stem cell fate regulation.

Keywords: Stem cell fate regulation, Id transcription factor, Embryonic stem cell, Hematopoietic stem cell, Id1