College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A & F University, Xianyang 712100, China.
Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A & F University, Xianyang 712100, China.
Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Feb 13;23(4):2067. doi: 10.3390/ijms23042067.
The double homeobox ) gene, encoding a double homeobox transcription factor, is one of the key drivers of totipotency in mice. Recent studies showed Dux was temporally expressed at the 2-cell stage and acted as a transcriptional activator during zygotic genome activation (ZGA) in embryos. A similar activation occurs in mouse embryonic stem cells, giving rise to 2-cell-like cells (2CLCs). Though the molecular mechanism underlying this expanded 2CLC potency caused by Dux activation has been partially revealed, the regulation mechanisms controlling Dux expression remain elusive. Here, we discuss the latest advancements in the multiple levels of regulation of Dux expression, as well as Dux function in 2CLCs transition, aiming to provide a theoretical framework for understanding the mechanisms that regulate totipotency.
双同源盒（）基因，编码一个双同源盒转录因子，是小鼠全能性的关键驱动因素之一。最近的研究表明，在胚胎中，Dux 在 2 细胞期表达，并在合子基因组激活（ZGA）期间作为转录激活因子发挥作用。类似的激活也发生在小鼠胚胎干细胞中，产生 2 细胞样细胞（2CLC）。尽管 Dux 激活导致这种扩展的 2CLC 潜能的分子机制已经部分揭示，但控制 Dux 表达的调控机制仍然难以捉摸。在这里，我们讨论了 Dux 表达的多个调控水平的最新进展，以及 Dux 在 2CLC 转化中的功能，旨在为理解调节全能性的机制提供一个理论框架。
