Transcripts that associate with the RNA binding protein, DEAD-END (DND1), in embryonic stem (ES) cells
2011

Identifying RNA Targets of DND1 in Embryonic Stem Cells

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Zhu Rui, Iacovino Michelina, Mahen Elisabeth, Kyba Michael, Matin Angabin

Primary Institution: University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center

Hypothesis

What are the mRNA targets that associate with the RNA binding protein DND1 in embryonic stem cells?

Conclusion

The study found that DND1 interacts with various mRNAs, including those encoding pluripotency factors, cell cycle regulators, and apoptotic factors in embryonic stem cells.

Supporting Evidence

  • DND1 is essential for maintaining viable germ cells in vertebrates.
  • The study utilized a genetically modified human embryonic stem cell line to study DND1 function.
  • Transcripts encoding pluripotency factors like OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG were found to associate with DND1.

Takeaway

Scientists created special stem cells to see what messages (mRNAs) a protein called DND1 talks to, and they found it talks to important messages that help cells stay young and grow.

Methodology

The researchers created a stable human embryonic stem cell line expressing HA-tagged DND1 and used ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation followed by RT-PCR to identify associated transcripts.

Limitations

The study did not identify specific DND1 interacting motifs in many of the pulled-down transcripts.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2199-12-37

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