Source: Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
Posted: April 24, 2006
A research team has discovered unique molecular imprints coupled to DNA in mouse ES cells. These imprints, or "signatures," appear near the master regulatory genes that control embryonic development and likely coordinate their activity during the initial phases of cell maturation. Largely absent from other cell types, the signatures disappear from ES cells once they commit to a specific developmental path. This could provide greater understanding of the rare and wide-ranging capacities of ES cells as well as the limited abilities that other cells have to repair or replace themselves.
Commentary: This finding could also give scientists greater insight into how they might be able to transform embryonic stem cells into human tissues to treat diseases and injuries
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