Endocytosis in deciding fate of Embryonic Stem Cells

Scientists at NCCS are investigating the role of endocytosis and vesicular transport in deciding the future state of an undifferentiated embryonic stem cell. Using experimental techniques like large scale siRNA screening, reprogramming assays and biophysical manipulation of mouse embryos, they are studying how modifications to cellular or vesicular transport determines whether an embryonic stem cell maintains pluripotency or differentiates into a specific cell type.

Fig1

Figure 1: Schematic of siRNA screen to knockdown genes involved in
endocytosis in mouse embryonic stem cells.

Further studies are ongoing to learn how cellular or vesicular transport differs in embryonic stem cells and differentiated cells. Potential application of this research is in understanding early embryonic development.

Reference:

  1. Cellular reprogramming – Turning the clock back. Resonance, June 2013; 514-521 (Article).
  2. Regulation of epithelial–mesenchymal and mesenchymal–epithelial transitions by microRNAs. Current Opinion in Cell Biology, 2013; 25(2): 200- 207 (Article).
  3. Multiple targets of miR-302 and miR-372 promote reprogramming of human fibroblasts to induced pluripotent stem cells. Nature Biotechnology, 2011 May; 29(5): 443-448 (Article).
  4. From microRNAs to targets:pathway discovery in cell fate transitions. Curr Opin Genet Dev. 2011 Aug; 21(4):498-503 (Article).

Technology Readiness: TRL A

Technology Status: Proprietary Know-how

Technology Availability: Know-how available for co-development.