Zygotic Genome Activators, Developmental Timing, and Pluripotency

Curr Top Dev Biol. 2016:116:273-97. doi: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2015.12.004. Epub 2016 Feb 13.

Abstract

The transcription factors Pou5f1, Sox2, and Nanog are central regulators of pluripotency in mammalian ES and iPS cells. In vertebrate embryos, Pou5f1/3, SoxB1, and Nanog control zygotic genome activation and participate in lineage decisions. We review the current knowledge of the roles of these genes in developing vertebrate embryos from fish to mammals and suggest a model for pluripotency gene regulatory network functions in early development.

Keywords: Blastula; Differentiation; Embryo; Embryonic stem cells; Gene regulatory network; Oct4; Pattern formation; Pluripotency; Pou5f3; Zygotic genome activation.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Lineage
  • Evolution, Molecular
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental*
  • Gene Regulatory Networks*
  • Humans
  • Mammals / embryology
  • Mammals / genetics
  • Nanog Homeobox Protein / genetics
  • Nanog Homeobox Protein / metabolism
  • Octamer Transcription Factor-3 / genetics
  • Octamer Transcription Factor-3 / metabolism
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells*
  • Zebrafish / embryology
  • Zebrafish / genetics
  • Zebrafish Proteins / genetics
  • Zebrafish Proteins / metabolism
  • Zygote*

Substances

  • Nanog Homeobox Protein
  • Octamer Transcription Factor-3
  • Pou5f1 protein, mouse
  • Pou5f3 protein, zebrafish
  • Zebrafish Proteins