2026-09-20T09:58:46Zhttps://dspace.mit.edu/server/oai/requestoai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/1473852023-01-20T03:31:12Zcom_1721.1_7582com_1721.1_7581col_1721.1_131022
Lees, Jacqueline A.
Hu, Sofia
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Biology
2023-01-19T18:49:42Z
2023-01-19T18:49:42Z
2022-09
2022-09-13T20:41:17.696Z
https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/147385
0000-0003-3347-3552
Gene expression heterogeneity underlies cell states and contributes to developmental robustness. While heterogeneity can arise from stochastic transcriptional processes, the extent to which it is regulated is unclear. Here we characterize the regulatory program underlying heterogeneity in murine embryonic stem cell (mESC) states. We identify differentially active and transcribed enhancers (DATEs) across states. DATEs regulate differentially expressed genes and are distinguished by co-binding of Kruppel-like transcription factors Klf4 and Zfp281. In contrast to other factors that interact in a positive feedback network stabilizing mESC cell-type identity, Klf4 and Zfp281 drive opposing transcriptional and chromatin programs. Abrogation of factor binding to DATEs dampens variation in gene expression, and factor loss alters kinetics of switching between states. These results show antagonism between factors at enhancers results in gene expression heterogeneity and formation of cell states, with implications for the generation of diverse cell types during development.
Ph.D.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
Copyright MIT
http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC-EDU/1.0/
Transcription factor antagonism regulates heterogeneity in embryonic stem cell states
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Doctoral
Doctor of Philosophy
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<Abstract>Gene expression heterogeneity underlies cell states and contributes to developmental robustness. While heterogeneity can arise from stochastic transcriptional processes, the extent to which it is regulated is unclear. Here we characterize the regulatory program underlying heterogeneity in murine embryonic stem cell (mESC) states. We identify differentially active and transcribed enhancers (DATEs) across states. DATEs regulate differentially expressed genes and are distinguished by co-binding of Kruppel-like transcription factors Klf4 and Zfp281. In contrast to other factors that interact in a positive feedback network stabilizing mESC cell-type identity, Klf4 and Zfp281 drive opposing transcriptional and chromatin programs. Abrogation of factor binding to DATEs dampens variation in gene expression, and factor loss alters kinetics of switching between states. These results show antagonism between factors at enhancers results in gene expression heterogeneity and formation of cell states, with implications for the generation of diverse cell types during development.</Abstract>
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