IRF6 hits the sweet spot.

Reznick, Jane; Niessen, Carien M · Cell Stem Cell · 2025

editorial · Level V

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Abstract

Glucose serves as an essential energy source for cells. In this issue, Lopez-Pajares et al.<sup>1</sup> uncover a role for glucose uncoupled from its energetic function. During epidermal differentiation, free glucose accumulates and binds the pro-differentiation transcription factor IRF6, promoting its dimerization and DNA binding to activate genes that drive differentiation.

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