Role of Tet proteins in epigenetic regulation of embryonic stem cell biology

Modified Public Health Relevance Section Given the promise of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in regenerative medicine, investigating their biology is of paramount significance to human health. The biology of stem cells is regulated by epigenetic modifications in the genome that control gene activation or repression mechanisms. Studying these mechanisms is essential for deciphering the molecular networks that define stem cell properties. This proposal investigates the role of an important family of epigenetic modifiers (Tet enzymes) in gene repression and ESC biology. Findings will enhance our basic understanding of stem cell biology and could lead to identification of new markers/targets for stem cell therapeutics and treatment of diseases.