Master Transcription Factors and Mediator Establish Super-Enhancers at Key Cell Identity Genes [gene expression]
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ABSTRACT: The master transcription factors Oct4, Sox2 and Nanog bind enhancer elements and recruit the Mediator co-activator to activate much of the gene expression program of embryonic stem cells (ESCs). We report here that the ESC master transcription factors and Mediator form “super-enhancers” at most genes known to control the pluripotent state, including those encoding the master transcription factors themselves. These super-enhancers consist of extraordinarily large genomic domains occupied by exceptional amounts of Oct4, Sox2, Nanog, Klf4, Esrrb and Mediator. Super-enhancers stimulate considerably higher transcription than typical enhancers in vivo and in reporter vectors. Reduced levels of Oct4 or Mediator cause preferential loss of expression of super-enhancer-associated genes relative to other genes, suggesting how changes in gene expression programs might be accomplished during development. In other more differentiated cells, super-enhancers containing cell-type-specific master transcription factors are also found at genes that define cell identity. These results implicate super-enhancers in the control of mammalian cell identity and differentiation.
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus
PROVIDER: GSE44287 | GEO | 2013/02/13
SECONDARY ACCESSION(S): PRJNA189324
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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