Functional connections between UTF1, chromatin structure and embryonic stem cell pluripotency

Dit document is (ook) beschikbaar voor ruilverkeer - alleen door bibliotheken -. [Bestelformulier]

Each of us started out as a single cell, a fertilized egg. The subsequent development of an embryo is the result of four essential processes: cell proliferation (generating many cells from one), cell specialization (generating cells with different characteristics), cell interactions (coordinating the behavior of one cell with that of its neighbors) and cell movement (rearranging the cells to form structured tissues and organs; Alberts et aI., 2002). These four processes finally result in an adult organism with all its highly divergent organs and tissue types: eyes, brain, blood, liver, skin, etc. etc.
Considering that most of the cells in our bodies have the exact same genomic composition, the cellular phenotype is determined by the set of genes that is expressed. The generation of the range of different cell types that constitute the human body, as well as the timing of their formation requires a very precise regulation of the expression of specific genes in specific cells at specific time points during specific developmental programs.
The amazing proliferation and differentiation capacities of the fertilized egg and its early offspring are captured in vitro by cells that can be isolated from early embryos and propagated indefinitely, embryonic stem cells. Their isolation and intensive study have provided unique insights in the molecular mechanisms that are involved in early embryonic development.

Meer informatie in de catalogus
Meer informatie in Picarta