Identification and characterization of Krűppel-Like Factor (Klf)-specific cofactors in mouse embryonic stem cells

Abstract

Embryonic stem cells perform properties that are pluripotent and self-renewal through the regulation of specific transcription factors. Krűppel-like factor 2 (Klf2) is one of the transcription factors which are expressed in embryonic stem cells for adjusting the maintenance of stem cells properties. However, it is unclear about Klf2 regulation mechanism and its role. Here, using biochemical screening system, I reported purified Klf2 protein interacts with Ring1b protein which is the repressive protein complex subunit of PRC1. Interaction between two proteins was found on endoderm differentiation related genes promoters in genome. Also, depletion of Klf2 and Ring1b in embryonic stem cells boosts early endoderm differentiation through increase of endoderm related genes. So, I found Klf2 and Ring1b interaction controls pluripotency of embryonic stem cells. This study provides a role of transcription factor Klf2 and its differentiation and control mechanism results were come from interaction with repression protein complex in mouse embryonic stem cells.