Searching chromatin for stem cell identity.
Stem cells encapsulate the fundamental problem of metazoan biology in miniature: How do cells establish and maintain their fates? Increasing evidence indicates that stem cell chromatin activates proliferation genes and represses differentiation genes. Understanding how these configurations are stabilized by Polycomb group proteins will advance our understanding of embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, regeneration, aging, and oncogenesis.
Buszczak
Michael
M
Howard Hughes Laboratories and Embryology Department, Carnegie Institution of Washington, 3520 San Martin Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
Spradling
Allan C
AC
D000818:Animals; D002843:Chromatin; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D063146:Polycomb-Group Proteins; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology*
D002843:Chromatin; D063146:Polycomb-Group Proteins; D012097:Repressor Proteins