Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
Mol Cell. 2021 Apr 15;81(8):1640-1650. doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.02.020. Epub 2021 Mar 8.
Coordinated changes in gene expression allow a single fertilized oocyte to develop into a complex multi-cellular organism. These changes in expression are controlled by transcription factors that gain access to discrete cis-regulatory elements in the genome, allowing them to activate gene expression. Although nucleosomes present barriers to transcription factor occupancy, pioneer transcription factors have unique properties that allow them to bind DNA in the context of nucleosomes, define cis-regulatory elements, and facilitate the subsequent binding of additional factors that determine gene expression. In this capacity, pioneer factors act at the top of gene-regulatory networks to control developmental transitions. Developmental context also influences pioneer factor binding and activity. Here we discuss the interplay between pioneer factors and development, their role in driving developmental transitions, and the influence of the cellular environment on pioneer factor binding and activity.
协调的基因表达变化使单个受精卵能够发育成复杂的多细胞生物体。这些表达变化受转录因子的控制，转录因子可以进入基因组中的离散顺式调控元件，从而激活基因表达。尽管核小体构成了转录因子结合的障碍，但先驱转录因子具有独特的性质，使它们能够在核小体的背景下结合 DNA，定义顺式调控元件，并促进随后结合决定基因表达的其他因子。在这种能力上，先驱因子在基因调控网络的顶端发挥作用，以控制发育转变。发育背景也会影响先驱因子的结合和活性。在这里，我们讨论了先驱因子与发育之间的相互作用、它们在驱动发育转变中的作用以及细胞环境对先驱因子结合和活性的影响。
