Epigenetic Basis for Differentiation Plasticity in Stem Cells

摘要: Stem cells possess the remarkable property of being able to self-renew and give rise at least one more differentiated cell type. Embryonic stem have ability differentiate into all types body unlimited self-renewal potential. Somatic are found in many adult tissues. They an extensive but finite life-span can a restricted range types. Increasing evidence suggests that multilineage differentiation is brought about by potential for expression developmentally regulated transcription factors lineage-specification genes. Potential gene largely controlled epigenetic modifications DNA (DNA methylation) chromatin (such as post-translational histone modifications) on regulatory regions. These modulate organization not only specific genes also level whole nucleus. influence timing replication. This chapter highlights how mechanisms poise undifferentiated uncovered through, notably, genome-wide mapping methylation, modifications, factor binding. Epigenetic marks lineage-specifying seem define pluripotent state.