Abstract
Human endogenous retrovirus subfamily H (HERVH) is a class of transposable elements expressed preferentially in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Here, we report that the long terminal repeats of HERVH function as enhancers and that HERVH is a nuclear long noncoding RNA required to maintain hESC identity. Furthermore, HERVH is associated with OCT4, coactivators and Mediator subunits. Together, these results uncover a new role of species-specific transposable elements in hESCs.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Cell Line
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Cell Nucleus / metabolism
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Embryonic Stem Cells / cytology
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Embryonic Stem Cells / metabolism*
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Endogenous Retroviruses / chemistry
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Endogenous Retroviruses / genetics
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Endogenous Retroviruses / physiology*
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Gene Expression Regulation
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Humans
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In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
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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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RNA, Long Noncoding / analysis
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RNA, Long Noncoding / chemistry
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RNA, Long Noncoding / physiology*
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Species Specificity
Substances
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Octamer Transcription Factor-3
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POU5F1 protein, human
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RNA, Long Noncoding