The role of the transcriptional regulator, Taube nuss, in stem cell function

Funded Activity Summary

Cells are born, mature, age, are eliminated and replaced by new cells in many organ systems throughout life. Stem cells constitute the reserve of cells set aside for this regeneration process and also for the repair of damaged tissue. During embryonic development transient stem cell populations exist for the generation of tissues. Stem cells are capable of self-renewing proliferation and are able to give rise to mature cell types (differentiation). The regenerative capacity of stem cells could potentially be used in the treatment of degenerative diseases like Parkinson s disease and muscular dystrophy, if we knew enough about their function. If stem cell proliferation and differentiation into mature cell types could be influenced in a clinical setting, stem cells could be encouraged to replace diseased or dead cells more efficiently than they do normally. In sharp contrast to the potential medical benefits that could be derived from stem cells, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling self-renewal and maintenance of a wide differentiation potential are very limited. We have isolated a new gene, Taube nuss (- empty nut), which is essential for the survival of the first transient stem cell population in the early embryo. In mice, lack of Taube nuss protein results in the death of these stem cells, whereas the differentiated cells of the same embryos survive. Taube nuss is a member of a protein complex called transcription initiation complex. We plan to investigate if Taube nuss plays a role in other stem cell populations. If this is the case, we will not only be able to identify Taube nuss as a new regulator of stem cell function. We would also be able to demonstrate a new regulatory mechanism, namely the involvement of specific transcription initiation complexes in the control of stem cell function.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2002

End Date: 01-01-2004

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $267,200.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Genetic Development (Incl. Sex Determination)

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

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Other Keywords

cancer biology | cell death/apoptosis | cell proliferation | degenerative disease of the CNS | embryonic development | embryonic stem cells | gene knock-out | stem cell therapy | tissue regeneration

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