The chromatin remodeler Chd4 maintains embryonic stem cell identity by controlling pluripotency- and differentiation-associated genes.

ABSTRACT: The unique properties of embryonic stem cells (ESCs), including unlimited self-renewal and pluripotent differentiation potential, are sustained by integrated genetic and epigenetic networks composed of transcriptional factors and epigenetic modulators. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the function of these regulators are not fully elucidated. Chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 4 (Chd4), an ATPase subunit of the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex, is highly expressed in ESCs. However, its function in ESC regulation remains elusive. Here we report that Chd4 is required for the maintenance of ESC self-renewal. RNAi-mediated silencing of Chd4 disrupted self-renewal and up-regulated lineage commitment-associated genes under self-renewal culture conditions. D

SUBMITTER: Zhao H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5437254 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature