Genetic and epigenetic control of early lymphocyte development.
T, B, and NK lymphocytes are generated from pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells through a successive series of lineage restriction processes. Many regulatory components, such as transcription factors, cytokines/cytokine receptors, and signal transduction molecules orchestrate cell fate specification and determination. In particular, transcription factors play a key role in regulating lineage-associated gene programs. Recent findings suggest the involvement of epigenetic factors in the maintenance of cell fate. Here, we review the early developmental events during lymphocyte lineage determination, focusing on the transcriptional networks and epigenetic regulation. Finally, we also discuss the developmental relationship between acquired and innate lymphoid cells.
Laboratory for Immune Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS-RCAI), 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan, tikawa@rcai.riken.jp.
Tomokatsu
T
Ikawa
D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D019070:Cell Lineage; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006801:Humans; D038041:Lymphopoiesis; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D014157:Transcription Factors