Getting off the ground state: X chromosome inactivation knocks down barriers to differentiation.

Morey, Robert; Laurent, Louise C · Cell Stem Cell · 2014

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Female mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) contain two active X chromosomes, with one undergoing random inactivation upon differentiation. Schulz et al. (2014) now demonstrate that the presence of two active X chromosomes in mESCs prevents exit from pluripotency by blocking MAPK signaling, ensuring synchronization between X chromosome dosage compensation and development.

Medical subject headings