Choose your destiny: Make a cell fate decision with COUP-TFII

J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2016 Mar:157:7-12. doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.11.011. Epub 2015 Dec 2.

Abstract

Cell fate specification is a critical process to generate cells with a wide range of characteristics from stem and progenitor cells. Emerging evidence demonstrates that the orphan nuclear receptor COUP-TFII serves as a key regulator in determining the cell identity during embryonic development. The present review summarizes our current knowledge on molecular mechanisms by which COUP-TFII employs to define the cell fates, with special emphasis on cardiovascular and renal systems. These novel insights pave the road for future studies of regenerative medicine.

Keywords: Blood vessels; COUP-TFII; Cell fate specification; Heart; Kidney; Lymphatic vessels.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Vessels / cytology*
  • COUP Transcription Factors / genetics
  • COUP Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Heart / embryology
  • Heart Atria / cytology
  • Heart Atria / embryology
  • Humans
  • Kidney / cytology*
  • Kidney / embryology
  • Myocardium / cytology*
  • Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Stem Cells / physiology*

Substances

  • COUP Transcription Factors