Gene Activation and Silencing in Stem Cell Differentiation
Author Information
Author(s): Jonathan L. Golob, Roshan M. Kumar, Matthew G. Guenther, Lil M. Pabon, Gabriel A. Pratt, Jeanne F. Loring, Louise C. Laurent, Richard A. Young, Charles E. Murry
Primary Institution: University of Washington
Hypothesis
Transcriptional pausing is an obligate transition state between definitive activation and silencing as human embryonic stem cells change state from pluripotency to mesoderm.
Conclusion
The paused state may be the major transition state for genes changing expression during differentiation.
Supporting Evidence
- Transcriptional pausing occurs at a large fraction of genes in mammalian and Drosophila cells.
- The paused state is crucial for the regulation of gene expression during differentiation.
- Most genes changing expression transition through a paused state.
Takeaway
When stem cells change into different types of cells, they often pause before fully turning on or off their genes, which helps them decide what type of cell to become.
Methodology
Chromatin immunoprecipitation and transcript analysis were used to study gene expression changes during differentiation of human embryonic stem cells to mesoderm.
Limitations
The study's temporal resolution may not capture all transitions, particularly rapid changes.
Participant Demographics
Human embryonic stem cells were used in the study.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website