Zfp281 functions as a transcriptional repressor for pluripotency of mouse embryonic stem cells.

ABSTRACT: Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) derived from preimplantation blastocysts have unique self-renewal and multilineage differentiation properties that are controlled by key components of a core regulatory network including Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog. Understanding molecular underpinnings of these properties requires identification and characterization of additional factors that act in conjunction with these key factors in ESCs. We have previously identified Zfp281, a Krüppel-like zinc finger transcription factor, as an interaction partner of Nanog. We now present detailed functional analyses of Zfp281 using a genetically ablated null allele in mouse ESCs. Our data show that while Zfp281 is dispensable for establishment and maintenance of ESCs, it is required for their proper differentiation in vitro. W

SUBMITTER: Fidalgo M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3272666 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature