title: RNA-based regulation of pluripotency.
abstract: Pluripotent cells have the unique ability to differentiate into diverse cell types. Over the past decade our understanding of the mechanisms underlying pluripotency, and particularly the role of transcriptional regulation, has increased dramatically. However, there is growing evidence for 'RNA-based' regulation of pluripotency. We use this term to describe control of gene expression by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). These molecules bind to specific elements within mRNAs and, by recruiting various effectors, affect many aspects of mRNA regulation. Here, we discuss the role of RBPs and ncRNAs in both the induction and maintenance of pluripotency. We highlight and contrast examples from pluripotent cell lines and in vivo systems while discussing the connection to transcriptional regulators.
authors.affiliation: Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Jane E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: Rafal
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ciosk
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D057026:Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D008957:Models, Genetic; D039904:Pluripotent Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D022661:RNA, Untranslated / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D012333:RNA, Messenger; D022661:RNA, Untranslated; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins