Epigenetic Control of Adult Stem Cell Function

The document from July 13, 2016, reviews the importance of epigenetic regulation in adult stem cell function across various tissues, including hematopoietic, epidermal, skeletal muscle, adipose, intestinal, and mammary stem cells. It discusses how epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation, histone modifications, and Polycomb repressive complexes influence stem cell maintenance, differentiation, and lineage commitment. The review highlights the role of specific enzymes and complexes, such as DNA methyltransferases, TET enzymes, Trithorax group proteins, and histone deacetylases, in these processes. It also notes the consequences of epigenetic dysregulation, which can range from negligible to severe, including stem cell malfunction and disease predisposition, such as cancer. The document underscores the complexity of epigenetic regulation in stem cell function and the potential for therapeutic interventions targeting these mechanisms.