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World J Stem Cells. Sep 26, 2014; 6(4): 485-490
Published online Sep 26, 2014. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v6.i4.485
Published online Sep 26, 2014. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v6.i4.485
Sox2 transcription network acts as a molecular switch to regulate properties of neural stem cells
Koji Shimozaki, Division of Functional Genomics, Center for Frontier Life Science, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
Author contributions: Shimozaki K conceived and wrote the manuscript.
Supported by The Nagasaki ken Medical Association.
Correspondence to: Koji Shimozaki, PhD, Division of Functional Genomics, Center for Frontier Life Science, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4, Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan. shimozak@nagasaki-u.ac.jp
Telephone: +81-95-8197191 Fax: +81-95-8197178
Received: July 25, 2014
Revised: August 29, 2014
Accepted: August 30, 2014
Published online: September 26, 2014
Revised: August 29, 2014
Accepted: August 30, 2014
Published online: September 26, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: Neural stem cells (NSCs) are cells that are capable of both self-renewal and multipotency. In these two processes, the transcription factor Sox2 serves as a switch for the central molecular mechanism. Sox2 forms complexes with its partner factors to perform its transcription-related functions. This partner switching presumably serves as an important key to the intrinsic functions of NSCs. A detailed understanding of these molecular mechanisms will advance our understanding of basic neuroscience and increase the feasibility of employing cell reprogramming technology in regenerative medicine.