Dissecting the transcriptional regulatory network of embryonic stem cells
Name
259223829-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
29.82 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
792dcd721f29f95fc364cc5ecde756f2
Author(s)
Cole, Megan F
Advisor(s)
Richard A. Young.
Date Issued
2008
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
The process by which a single fertilized egg develops into a human being with over 200 cell types, each with a distinct gene expression pattern controlling its cellular state, is poorly understood. An understanding of the transcriptional regulatory networks that establish and maintain gene expression programs in mammalian cells is fundamental to understand development and should provide the foundation for improved diagnosis and treatment of disease. Although it is not yet feasible to map the entirety of these networks in vertebrate cells, recent work in embryonic stem (ES) cells has demonstrated that core features of the network can be discovered by focusing on key transcriptional regulators and their target genes. Here, I describe important insights that have emerged from such studies and highlight how similar approaches can be used to discover the core networks of other vertebrate cell types. Knowledge of the regulatory networks controlling gene expression programs and cell states can guide efforts to reprogram cell states and holds great promise for both disease therapeutics and regenerative medicine.
Description
Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Biology, 2008.
Includes bibliographical references.
Subjects
Biology.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Biology
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