Forkhead转录因子调控干细胞的命运决定

Forkhead Transcription Factors Control Stem Cell Fate Determination

Forkhead蛋白是一类在进化上高度保守的重要转录因子家族。目前,已经发现超过100种编码Forkhead蛋白的基因,Forkhead蛋白的典型结构特征是含有Forkhead结构域,即一段由100个氨基酸组成的进化上保守的"Forkhead"DNA结合序列。Forkhead蛋白的主要功能包括调控与胚胎发育、细胞生长、增殖、分化、干细胞干性保持、应激反应、语言形成以及长寿相关基因的表达。Forkhead基因的突变或者调控异常会导致发育缺陷以及肿瘤形成。因此,对于不同Forkhead蛋白家族成员功能的深入研究,有助于更好地揭示相关疾病的发病机制,为针对这些疾病的预防和治疗提供理论依据。该文对国内外Forkhead蛋白在干细胞中的主要功能方面的研究成果进行了总结,综述了近年来的最新研究成果。

Forkhead family, a group of conserved transcription factors existing from yeast to human, is marked by the presence of a 100aa Forkhead DNA binding domain. There have been over 100 genes encoding Forkhead transcription factors being found to date. Forkhead transcription play important roles in regulating many important cell processes including development, cell proliferation, differentiation, sternness maintenance, stress re- sponse, language acquirement, and longevity. Disruption of normal functions of forkhead factors resulted in devel- opmental defects and tumorigenesis. Elucidation of the mechanism governing functions of Forkhead transcription factors will help developing therapies for many human diseases. This review is mainly focused on the functions of forkhead transcription factors, especially Foxo subfamily, in stem ceils.