Genetic control of germline progenitor cell heterogeneity and fate

成人的组织维持依赖于由自我更新和分化能力定义的常驻干细胞。很明显，干细胞种群是异质性的，由具有不同特性的亚群组成。这些亚群的功能意义和控制其差异特征的机制尚不清楚。以小鼠生殖系干细胞为模型，基于多能性基因Pou5f1的差异表达鉴定了干细胞亚群。该项目旨在确定这些亚群的功能特征，并剖析控制其发育的转录因子网络。这为理解成人干细胞调控提供了重要的见解。

Tissue maintenance in adults is dependent on resident stem cells, defined by self-renewal and differentiation capabilities. It is apparent that stem cell populations are heterogeneous, being composed of subpopulations with distinct properties. The functional significance of these subsets and mechanisms that control their divergent characteristics are unclear. Using germline stem cells from mice as a model, stem cell subsets have been identified based on differential expression of the pluripotency gene Pou5f1. This project aims to define functional characteristics of these subpopulations and to dissect transcription factor networks controlling their development. This promises important insights into understandings of adult stem cell regulation.