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Interplay between pioneer transcription factors and epigenetic modifiers in cell reprogramming
Gerardo Mirizio1,2, Samuel Sampson1,2, Makiko Iwafuchi1,2
1Division of Developmental Biology, Center for Stem Cell & Organoid Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, USA.
Regenerative Therapy
|January 21, 2025
Summary
Pioneer transcription factors (TFs) drive cell reprogramming, including direct cell conversion. Understanding their interaction with epigenetic modifiers is key to improving reprogramming efficiency for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Cellular reprogramming and epigenetics.
Background:
- Pioneer transcription factors (TFs) are crucial for induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) generation and direct cell reprogramming.
- These TFs initiate reprogramming by opening chromatin, enabling new gene expression programs.
- Direct reprogramming efficiency is currently limited for clinical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms of pioneer TF-driven reprogramming.
- To focus on the interactions between pioneer TFs and epigenetic modifiers.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on pioneer TF function in reprogramming.
- Analysis of interactions with epigenetic regulators like Polycomb repressive complexes (PRCs), nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complexes, and DNA methylation machinery.
Main Results:
- Pioneer TFs initiate reprogramming via chromatin opening.
- Pioneer TF activity is influenced by and influences epigenetic regulation.
- Interactions with epigenetic modifiers are central to reprogramming processes.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the interplay between pioneer TFs and epigenetic modifiers is essential for advancing reprogramming technologies.
- Improving reprogramming efficiency through this understanding will enhance clinical applications.
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