A computational systems approach identifies synergistic specification genes that facilitate lineage conversion to prostate tissue.

ABSTRACT: To date, reprogramming strategies for generating cell types of interest have been facilitated by detailed understanding of relevant developmental regulatory factors. However, identification of such regulatory drivers often represents a major challenge, as specific gene combinations may be required for reprogramming. Here we show that a computational systems approach can identify cell type specification genes (master regulators) that act synergistically, and demonstrate its application for reprogramming of fibroblasts to prostate tissue. We use three such master regulators (FOXA1, NKX3.1 and androgen receptor, AR) in a primed conversion strategy starting from mouse fibroblasts, resulting in prostate tissue grafts with appropriate histological and molecular properties that respond to androge

SUBMITTER: Talos F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5413950 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature