REST regulates distinct transcriptional networks in embryonic and neural stem cells
2008

REST Regulates Different Gene Networks in Stem Cells

publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Rory Johnson, Christina Hui-leng Teh, Galih Kunarso, Kee Yew Wong, Gopalan Srinivasan, Megan L. Cooper, Manuela Volta, Sarah Su-ling Chan, Leonard Lipovich, Steven M. Pollard, R. Krishna Murthy Karuturi, Chia-lin Wei, Noel J. Buckley, Lawrence W. Stanton

Primary Institution: Genome Institute of Singapore

Hypothesis

How does REST regulate pluripotency and what are its distinct roles in embryonic and neural stem cells?

Conclusion

REST has distinct regulatory roles in embryonic and neural stem cells, with a significant number of target genes being unique to each cell type.

Supporting Evidence

  • REST binding sites were found to be distinct in embryonic and neural stem cells.
  • REST is a key regulator of pluripotency in embryonic stem cells.
  • The study identified a large number of unique target genes for REST in embryonic stem cells.

Takeaway

REST is like a traffic cop for genes in stem cells, helping them decide when to grow up or stay young, but it acts differently in different types of stem cells.

Methodology

The study used ChIP-chip and ChIP-PET techniques to map REST binding sites and analyze gene expression in mouse embryonic and neural stem cells.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on mouse models, which may not fully represent human stem cell behavior.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pbio.0060256

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