Identifying Regulatory Sequences in Mouse and Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Grskovic Marica, Chaivorapol Christina, Gaspar-Maia Alexandre, Li Hao, Ramalho-Santos Miguel
Primary Institution: University of California San Francisco
Hypothesis
Understanding the transcriptional regulation of pluripotent cells will inform efforts aimed at directing differentiation of embryonic stem cells.
Conclusion
The study identifies novel cis-regulatory sequences that are active in mouse and human embryonic stem cells and highlights the role of the transcription factor NF-Y in regulating ES cell proliferation.
Supporting Evidence
- The study developed a novel computational algorithm, CompMoby, to predict regulatory motifs.
- Identified motifs were shown to be active in both mouse and human embryonic stem cells.
- NF-Y was found to bind to one of the motifs and is required for ES cell proliferation.
Takeaway
Scientists found new DNA switches that help control how stem cells grow and develop, which could help in making new therapies.
Methodology
The study combined gene expression profiling, computational genomic analyses, and biochemical assays to identify regulatory sequences.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.005
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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