Stem Cell Pluripotency Network
Transcription factor network maintaining embryonic stem cell self-renewal.
Overview
Pluripotency is maintained by a core transcription factor network (Oct4, Sox2, Nanog) that activates self-renewal genes and represses differentiation genes. LIF/STAT3, BMP/SMAD, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling support naive pluripotency in mouse ESCs, while FGF/ERK and Activin/Nodal support primed pluripotency in human ESCs. Epigenetic regulators (Polycomb, Trithorax) maintain bivalent chromatin at developmental gene promoters.
Cellular Location
Nucleus (transcription factors), cytoplasm (signaling)
Clinical Significance
Foundation of regenerative medicine; Yamanaka factors (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc) enable iPSC reprogramming (Nobel Prize 2012); understanding pluripotency is key to stem cell therapies.
Key Molecules
Key Enzymes
Related Pathways
Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway
Controls cell fate, proliferation, and polarity through β-catenin stabilization.
JAK-STAT Pathway
Cytokine-driven signaling from receptor to gene expression via STAT dimerization.
TGF-β/BMP Signaling
Multifunctional cytokine signaling controlling growth, differentiation, and immune regulation.
MAPK/ERK Pathway
RAS–RAF–MEK–ERK cascade transducing growth factor signals to the nucleus.