Dissecting Transcriptional Network in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

Abstract

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are featured by their ability of self-renewal and pluripotency which are dependent on their specific transcription network that regulates the gene expression programs in a spatially and temporally orchestrated and precise pattern. Delineating the transcription network within ES cell system should be a fascinating science challenge that would provide new insights into the fundamental nature of pluripotency as well as advance its application in regenerative medicine. My thesis project has applied computational and systems biology tools to dissect transcriptional network of mouse ES cells, and has extensively expanded our knowledge of the network by introducing novel self-renewal and pluripotency associated transcription factors as well as cofactors into the known core regulatory circuit.