Temporospatial induction of homeodomain gene cut dictates natural lineage reprogramming.

摘要: As an embryo develops, organism transforms from a single cell into organized collection of different cells, tissues and organs. Regulated by genes messenger molecules, non-specialized cells known as precursor move, divide adapt to produce the in adult body. However, sometimes already-specialized can acquire new role process lineage reprogramming. Finding ways artificially induce control reprogramming could be useful regenerative medicine. This would allow reprogrammed replace those that are lost or damaged. So far, scientists have been unable develop clear view how happens naturally. Here, Xu et al. identified cell-conversion event developing fruit fly. fly larva develops adult, group midgut reprogramme become renal – equivalent human kidney cells. The experiments revealed combination signals system important for specialization (called Wnt) hormone controls molting insects, activate gene called cut, which midgut-to-renal Together, Wnt ensure cut is activated only small, specific at precise time. then move excretory organs, tubes, where they give rise Midgut had experimentally removed, still traveled tubes. failed switch their identity gave instead. Further examination both ecdysone needed gene. probably achieved creating loops DNA bring together two distantly located key regulatory elements expression. If this mechanism seen other contexts it may possible medical purposes. ability groups with high specificity transform It make easier our bodies regenerate repair.