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Related Concept Videos

Maintenance of the ES Cell State01:14

Maintenance of the ES Cell State

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The cells of the blastocyst inner cell mass only remain pluripotent for a short time. This state of pluripotency and self-renewal can be maintained in embryonic stem (ES) cell culture by adding specific chemicals or growth factors to ensure the cells can continue dividing and later differentiate into different cell types. In some cases, the cells are grown on a feeder layer of differentiated cells, which provides the growth factors and extracellular matrix components necessary for stem cell...
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Somatic to iPS Cell Reprogramming01:29

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Reprogramming alters the gene expression in somatic cells, transforming them into induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells over several generations. Scientists can reprogram cells by introducing genes for four transcription factors—Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc (OSKM) by viral or non-viral methods. These factors are also known as Yamanaka factors after Shinya Yamanaka, who first generated iPS cells using mouse skin cells. Yamanaka was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2012...
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Stem Cell Niche01:26

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The stem cell niche is the dynamic microenvironment where stem cells reside. Inside these niches, the cells may remain undifferentiated, undergo high self-renewal, or become lineage-specific progenitors. Stem cells coexist with other niche cells, such as stromal cells. They also interact closely with the ECM. Cell-cell and cell-matrix communication occur via adhesion molecules or soluble factors that signal the stem cells and determine their fate. Stromal cells also provide survival signals to...
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Methods of Nuclear Reprogramming01:24

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Nuclear reprogramming is a process of transforming one cell type into an unrelated cell type by epigenetic changes that alter the cell’s original gene expression pattern. Such epigenetic changes force cells to express a different set of genes, which play a significant role in inducing transformation into other cell types. Nuclear reprogramming offers applications in reproductive cloning for livestock propagation and regenerative medicine — developing patient-specific cells for...
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Notch signaling was first discovered in Drosophila melanogaster, where it is involved in cell lineage differentiation. Notch signaling regulates the maintenance and differentiation of intestinal stem cells or ISCs by controlling the expression of atonal homolog 1 or Atoh1. Atoh1 directs cells to differentiate into secretory cells.
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A hair follicle or HF is a small part of the skin that produces the hair shaft. Paul Gerson Unna was the first to observe a bulge in the human hair follicle's outer root sheath (ORS). The bulge is present between the sebaceous gland and the arrector pili muscle and is the niche for hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs). The bulge is also a niche for melanocyte stem cells, and their loss results in graying of hair. The HFSCs express Sox9 and Lhx2, which help them maintain stemness and prevent...
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Oct4GiP Reporter Assay to Study Genes that Regulate Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Maintenance and Self-renewal
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The Oct4 protein: more than a magic stemness marker.

Dana Zeineddine1, Aya Abou Hammoud2, Mohamad Mortada1

  • 1Lebanese University Beyrouth, Liban.

American Journal of Stem Cells
|September 19, 2014
PubMed
Summary

Oct4 (Pou5f1) is a crucial master gene for embryonic stem cell stemness and somatic cell reprogramming. Its diverse functions, regulated by expression levels and modifications, are still being explored.

Keywords:
Oct4/ Pou5f1cancer stem cellscell lineagesembryonic stem cellspluripotency

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Stem Cell Biology

Background:

  • Oct4 (Pou5f1) was the first identified master gene essential for embryonic stem cell (ESC) pluripotency in mice and primates.
  • This transcription factor plays a critical role in somatic cell reprogramming, enabling the conversion of specialized cells back to a stem cell-like state.
  • Oct4 exhibits context-dependent functions, often described as a 'rheostat' gene, with its activity modulated by expression levels and interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted properties of the Oct4 protein.
  • To highlight the significance of Oct4 in stemness and reprogramming.
  • To explore the potential yet to be fully understood regarding Oct4's functions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on Oct4 protein.
  • Analysis of Oct4's role in embryonic stem cells and somatic cell reprogramming.
  • Examination of Oct4's post-translational modifications and protein interactions.

Main Results:

  • Oct4 is indispensable for maintaining stemness in embryonic stem cells.
  • Oct4 facilitates the reprogramming of somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells.
  • Oct4's activity is finely tuned by its expression level, protein partners, and post-translational modifications.

Conclusions:

  • Oct4 remains a central regulator of pluripotency and reprogramming.
  • Further research into Oct4's complex regulatory mechanisms and interactions is warranted.
  • The full potential of Oct4 in regenerative medicine and developmental biology is yet to be realized.