Function of Polycomb repressive complexes in stem cells

Abstract

Stem cells are unique cell populations identified in a variety of normal tissues and some cancers. Maintenance of stem cell pools is essential for normal development, tissue homeostasis, and tumorigenesis. Recent studies have revealed that Polycomb repressive complexes (PRCs) play a central role in maintaining stem cells by repressing cellular senescence and differentiation. Here, we will review recent findings on dynamic composition of PRC complexes and sub-complexes, how PRCs are recruited to chromatin, and their functional roles in maintaining self-renewal of stem cells. Furthermore, we will discuss how PRCs, CpG islands (CGIs), the INK4A/ARF/INK4B locus, and developmental genes form a hierarchical regulatory axis that is utilized by a variety of stem cells to maintain their self-renewal and identities.

Key words： Polycomb repressive complexes; gene silencing; CpG islands; stem cells; self-renewal

Compliance with ethics guidelines

This manuscript is a review article and does not involve a research protocol requiring approval by the relevant institutional review board or ethics committee.

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