T-lineage specification and commitment: a gene regulation perspective.
T lymphocytes originate from pluripotent precursors and undergo lasting commitment to the T cell developmental fate during their processing in the thymus. Commitment includes both the acquisition of essential T cell characteristics and the foreclosing of other developmental options. Gain of T cell characteristics is probably mediated by separate mechanisms, at least in detail, from loss of alternative developmental potentials. Programmed shifts in survival requirements make changes irreversible. Here we review the current evidence identifying the regulatory components of this commitment pathway, and the first hints of how they work together. Roles for PU.1, GATA-3, and their target genes are highlighted.
Rothenberg
Ellen V
EV
Division of Biology 156-29, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA. evroth@its.caltech.edu
D000818:Animals; D019070:Cell Lineage / Q000235:genetics*; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006801:Humans; D038041:Lymphopoiesis / Q000235:genetics*; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D051880:Receptors, Notch; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D008565:Membrane Proteins; D051880:Receptors, Notch; D014157:Transcription Factors