Transcriptional Control of Somatic Cell Reprogramming

Trends Cell Biol. 2016 Apr;26(4):272-288. doi: 10.1016/j.tcb.2015.12.003. Epub 2016 Jan 15.

Abstract

Somatic cells and pluripotent cells display remarkable differences in most aspects of cell function. Accordingly, somatic cell reprogramming by exogenous factors requires comprehensive changes in gene transcription to induce a forced pluripotent state, which is encompassed by a simultaneous transformation of the epigenome. Nevertheless, how the reprogramming factors and other endogenous regulators coordinate to suppress the somatic cell gene program and activate the pluripotency gene network, and why the conversion is multi-phased and lengthy, remain enigmatic. We summarize the current knowledge of transcriptional regulation in somatic cell reprogramming, and highlight new perspectives that may help to reshape existing paradigms.

Keywords: epigenetic remodeling; genome architecture; pioneer transcription factors; somatic cell reprogramming; transcriptional regulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cellular Reprogramming*
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / cytology
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Gene Regulatory Networks
  • Humans
  • Kruppel-Like Factor 4
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Octamer Transcription Factor-3 / genetics
  • Octamer Transcription Factor-3 / metabolism
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / cytology
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / metabolism
  • SOXB1 Transcription Factors / genetics
  • SOXB1 Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Transcription, Genetic*

Substances

  • Kruppel-Like Factor 4
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors
  • MYC protein, human
  • Octamer Transcription Factor-3
  • POU5F1 protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc
  • SOX2 protein, human
  • SOXB1 Transcription Factors