Searching Chromatin for Stem Cell Identity

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2006.04.004 Byline: Michael Buszczak (1), Allan C. Spradling (1) Abstract: Stem cells encapsulate the fundamental problem of metazoan biology in miniature: How do cells establish and maintain their fates? Increasing evidence indicates that stem cell chromatin activates proliferation genes and represses differentiation genes. Understanding how these configurations are stabilized by Polycomb group proteins will advance our understanding of embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, regeneration, aging, and oncogenesis. Author Affiliation: (1) Howard Hughes Laboratories and Embryology Department, Carnegie Institution of Washington, 3520 San Martin Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA