Abstract
A fundamental goal in biology is to understand the molecular basis of cell identity. Pluripotent embryonic stem (ES) cell identity is governed by a set of transcription factors centred on the triumvirate of Oct4, Sox2 and Nanog. These proteins often bind to closely localised genomic sites. Recent studies have identified additional transcriptional modulators that bind to chromatin near sites occupied by Oct4, Sox2 and Nanog. This suggests that the combinatorial control of gene transcription might be fundamental to the ES cell state. Here we discuss how these observations advance our understanding of the transcription factor network that controls pluripotent identity and highlight unresolved issues that arise from these studies.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Base Sequence
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Binding Sites / genetics
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Chromatin / genetics
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Chromatin / metabolism
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DNA / chemistry
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DNA / genetics
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DNA / metabolism
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Embryonic Stem Cells / cytology*
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Embryonic Stem Cells / metabolism*
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Homeodomain Proteins / chemistry
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Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
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Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism
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Humans
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Macromolecular Substances
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Mice
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Models, Molecular
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Nanog Homeobox Protein
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Octamer Transcription Factor-3 / chemistry
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Octamer Transcription Factor-3 / genetics
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Octamer Transcription Factor-3 / metabolism
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Pluripotent Stem Cells / cytology*
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Pluripotent Stem Cells / metabolism*
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SOXB1 Transcription Factors / chemistry
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SOXB1 Transcription Factors / genetics
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SOXB1 Transcription Factors / metabolism
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Transcription, Genetic*
Substances
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Chromatin
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Homeodomain Proteins
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Macromolecular Substances
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Nanog Homeobox Protein
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Nanog protein, mouse
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Octamer Transcription Factor-3
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Pou5f1 protein, mouse
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SOXB1 Transcription Factors
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Sox2 protein, mouse
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DNA