The Role of RNA Interference in Stem Cell Biology: Beyond the Mutant Phenotypes


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Date

2017-05

Publication Type

Review Article

ETH Bibliography

yes

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Data

Abstract

Complex gene regulation systems ensure the maintenance of cellular identity during early development in mammals. Eukaryotic small RNAs have emerged as critical players in RNA interference (RNAi) by mediating gene silencing during embryonic stem cell self-renewal. Most of the proteins involved in the biogenesis of small RNAs are essential for proliferation and differentiation into the three germ layers of mouse embryonic stem cells. In the last decade, new functions for some RNAi proteins, independent of their roles in RNAi pathways, have been demonstrated in different biological systems. In parallel, new concepts in stem cell biology have emerged. Here, we review and integrate the current understanding of how RNAi proteins regulate stem cell identity with the new advances in the stem cell field and the recent non-canonical functions of the RNAi proteins. Finally, we propose a reevaluation of all RNAi mutant phenotypes, as non-canonical (small non-coding RNA independent) functions may contribute to the molecular mechanisms governing mouse embryonic stem cells commitment.

Publication status

published

Editor

Book title

Volume

429 (10)

Pages / Article No.

1532 - 1543

Publisher

Elsevier

Event

Edition / version

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Date collected

Date created

Subject

non-canonical functions of RNAi proteins; exit from pluripotency; mouse embryonic stem cells; RNA interference pathways

Organisational unit

03983 - Ciaudo, C. (ehemalig) / Ciaudo, C. (former) check_circle

Notes

Funding

153220 - Nuclear role of the Argonaute proteins in mammalian embryonic stem cells (SNF)

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