New insights into the epitranscriptomic control of pluripotent stem cell fate

Abstract

Each cell in the human body has a distinguishable fate. Pluripotent stem cells are challenged with a myriad of lineage differentiation options. Defects are more likely to be fatal to stem cells than to somatic cells due to the broad impact of the former on early development. Hence, a detailed understanding of the mechanisms that determine the fate of stem cells is needed. The mechanisms by which human pluripotent stem cells, although not fully equipped with complex chromatin structures or epigenetic regulatory mechanisms, accurately control gene expression and are important to the stem cell field. In this review, we examine the events driving pluripotent stem cell fate and the underlying changes in gene expression during early development. In addition, we highlight the role played by the epitranscriptome in the regulation of gene expression that is necessary for each fate-related event.

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“…The regulatory effects of m6A (indicated in red), m1A (in yellow), pseudouridine (in green), and m5C (in blue) modifications are linked to specific biological traits exhibited by pluripotent stem cells. Reprinted from [ 106 ] with permission from the Springer Nature …”

“…By incorporating these molecules into iPSC-derived cells, researchers aim to create a "tolerogenic" environment The regulatory effects of m6A (indicated in red), m1A (in yellow), pseudouridine (in green), and m5C (in blue) modifications are linked to specific biological traits exhibited by pluripotent stem cells. Reprinted from [106] with permission from the Springer Nature that can induce immune tolerance and reduce the risk of rejection [111].…”

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