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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2026

PIP3 antagonist as a molecular regulator in MSC-derived cardiomyocytes: Potential in vitro therapeutic implications for conotruncal heart defects.

Conotruncal heart defects (CTDs) account for approximately one-third of all congenital heart defects. Elevated levels of phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP3) may contribute to CTD pathogenesis. PIP3 plays a pivotal role in mechanotransduction-based biological processes and remodeling of cardiac cytoskeletal proteins. Here, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the 322PESB derivative compound as a molecular regulator that antagonizes PIP3 binding pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of the Akt protein using mesenchymal stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte. Human adipose-derived MSCs (Ad-MSCs) were isolated. Immunophenotypic features of the hAd-MSCs were characterized according to minimal criteria of the international society for cellular therapy (ISCT) including immunophenotyping and trilineage differentiation potential. Subsequently, the differentiated hAd-MSCs were cultured in cardiomyogenesis-inducing medium. Successfully differentiated cardiomyocytes were assessed by measuring the expression levels of cardiomyocyte-specific genes using RT-qPCR. PIP3-primed cardiomyocytes were treated with 10 and 30 μmol/L of a 322PESB derivative molecule. The results showed a typical MSCs with high expression levels of CD73 (77.55%), CD90 (87.59%) and CD105 (91.88%) and that was accompanied by low expression levels of CD34 (0.59%) and CD45 (1.78%). After 21 days of MSC culture, cardiomyocyte-like cells with prominent striations were observed. Subsequent confirmation by RT-qPCR quantification of ADRB1 and MLC2a expression levels showed an average increase of 2.9-fold and 2.1-fold, respectively, in induced cardiomyocytes. Compared with the untreated control, PIP3 ELISA assay showed a significant increase in PIP3 levels in PIP3(10 nmol/L)-primed cardiomyocytes treated with 10 and 30 μmol/L of the 322PESB molecule derivative by 485.804 and 3564.164 ng/mL, respectively. In this study, we conducted the first promising molecular regulator with potential therapeutic implications for CTD patients. Further functional animal model and clinical phase studies are recommended.

Cardiomyocyte↗
PubMed2026

Genome-wide cis-expression Quantitative Trait Loci (eQTL) and transcriptomic signals reveal distinct molecular regulation across correlated feed efficiency traits.

INTRODUCTION: Feed efficiency (FE) is a complex trait which determines livestock production profitability, yet the molecular mechanisms behind it remain unclear. This study investigated the blood transcriptomic profile of lambs, alongside genotype data with the aim to uncover the genetic basis of FE traits such as absolute dry matter intake (DMIabsolute), DMI adjusted for body size (DMIadjusted), average daily live weight gain (ADG), and residual feed intake (RFI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bulk RNA-Seq and genotype data were analysed using three complementary approaches: differential gene expression (DGE) analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and cis-expression Quantitative Trait Loci (cis-eQTL) mapping. These methods were used independently to identify genes and regulatory networks associated with FE traits and to investigate evidence supporting multi-trait candidate gene selection. RESULTS: DGE analysis revealed 2, 24, 85 and 4 differentially expressed genes for DMIabsolute, DMIadjusted, ADG, and RFI (Padjusted < 0.05), functionally enriched in sensory perception, ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling, Notch signaling and immune response pathways. 9 gene modules significantly associated with the FE traits (P &#x2264; 0.05) with correlations ranging from r = -0.56 to 0.49, were identified using WGCNA. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-level cis-eQTL analysis identified 93 eSNPs associated with 74 genes (false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05), while permutation-derived gene level analysis identified 280 eGenes (FDR < 0.2, empirical P < 0.03). Across the three analyses, applying thresholds of DGE (Padjusted < 0.05), WGCNA (correlation, P &#x2264; 0.05), and cis-eQTL gene-level significance (empirical P < 0.05), multiple overlapping genes were identified including DNMT3A, KANSL1, NCOR1 for DMIadjusted, ACOX2, FANCF, CIMIP2B, LOC101115106, ARMH2, LOC132657496 for ADG, and LOC114114576 for RFI representing regulators of variations in FE. DISCUSSION: The integration of DGE, WGCNA, and cis-eQTL analyses identified key genes and regulatory mechanisms associated with variation in FE traits. These results highlight that integrated multi-trait candidate gene identification approaches can reveal key genes that lower feed intake while maintaining animal growth, supporting breeding strategies aimed at improving efficiency and long-term economic sustainability in sheep.

average daily gain (ADG)↗
PubMed2026

Long-term heat exposure reshapes muscle molecular regulation and enhances thermal tolerance in Clarias fuscus.

Rapid fluctuations in water temperature driven by global warming have become a major abiotic stressor affecting muscle function in teleost fish. This study examined the effects of long-term thermal conditions on heat tolerance in Clarias fuscus. Fish were maintained for 90&#xa0;days at either a normal temperature group (NT, 26&#xa0;&#xb0;C) or a high-temperature group (HT, 34&#xa0;&#xb0;C). Subsequently, muscle histology, and transcriptomic profiles were observed following acute high-temperature exposure (34&#xa0;&#xb0;C) and after temperature recovery (26&#xa0;&#xb0;C). Histological analysis showed that fish from the NT under acute high-temperature stress exhibited severe muscle damage (atrophy, myofilament disruption, and myolysis), whereas fish from the HT displayed markedly reduced lesions. RNA-seq profiling revealed 5769 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the NT and 3292 DEGs in the HT following acute temperature challenges. Functional enrichment indicated that, in the HT, modulation of key cell cycle regulators (e.g., ccna, ccnb, cdk1, cdk2) contributed to alleviating muscle damage caused by temperature fluctuations. In the NT, genes associated with ribosome biogenesis (e.g., nop56, riok2, riok1) were up-regulated and then down-regulated during temperature fluctuation, whereas p53 in the cell cycle pathway showed the opposite expression pattern. These findings demonstrate long-term heat exposure reshapes molecular expression and regulatory mechanisms in the muscle of C. fuscus, thereby enhancing thermal tolerance and adaptability, and providing a theoretical basis for breeding heat-resistant, high-quality aquaculture strains.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

Integrated analysis uncovers exogenous induction and molecular regulation of erinacine A accumulation in Hericium erinaceus.

Erinacine A, a cyathane-type diterpenoid mainly from Hericium erinaceus mycelia, exhibits prominent neurotrophic and neuroprotective activities, making it a promising candidate for managing neurodegenerative diseases. However, its low abundance and unclear genetic regulatory mechanisms hinder its application as a nutraceutical. This study aimed to decipher its regulatory mechanisms and enhance production. Four exogenous inducers were screened, with salicylic acid (SA) and ergosterol (ERG) significantly increasing erinacine A content by 62.21% and 146.70% at 20 days, respectively. Transcriptome and WGCNA of inducer-treated sample identified darkorange and magenta modules associated with erinacine A biosynthesis, with the eri gene cluster enriched in the darkorange module and eriG and eriF as hub genes. Forward genetic analysis via QTL mapping of the HeD127 dikaryon population revealed significant phenotypic variation in erinacine A content (0.341-13.085&#x202f;mg/g) and identified two loci (erA-1 and erA-2) explaining 18.63% of phenotypic variation. Integrating these forward and reverse genetic analyses revealed that salicylic acid and ergosterol synergistically regulate core carbon metabolic pathways to augment acetyl-CoA supply for the mevalonate pathway, suppressed competitive metabolism, enhanced diterpene skeleton construction and structural modification. These results deepen our understanding of the genetic and molecular basis governing accumulation of erinacine A, and facilitate its application in neuroprotective pharmaceuticals.

Diterpenes↗
PubMed2026

Molecular Regulation of Primordial Germ Cell Specification and Implications for In Vitro Gametogenesis.

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the embryonic precursors of gametes, essential for transmitting genetic and epigenetic information across generations. However, PGC specification occurs within a narrow developmental window and involves only a small number of cells, making it difficult to study in vivo. In vitro models using pluripotent stem cells have enabled the generation of primordial germ cell-like cells, but these systems often rely on exogenous signaling and exhibit variability in efficiency and epigenetic fidelity. In this review, we synthesize current understanding of PGC specification in mouse and human systems, emphasizing the integration of signaling pathways, transcriptional networks, epigenetic reprogramming, and metabolic regulation. Canonical regulators, including PRDM1, PRDM14, TFAP2C, and SOX17, function within a broader, interconnected network that establishes for PGC competence. Understanding these interactions will be crucial for advancing in vitro gametogenesis and improving mammalian reproduction.

mammalian reproduction↗
PubMed2025

m6A regulator-based molecular classification and hub genes associated with immune infiltration characteristics and clinical outcomes in diffuse gliomas.

BACKGROUND: m6A methylation modification is a new regulatory mechanism involved in tumorigenesis and tumor-immunity interaction. However, its impact on glioma immune microenvironment and clinical outcomes remains unclear. METHODS: Comprehensive expression profiles of 18 m6A regulators were used to identify molecular subtypes exhibiting distinct m6A modification patterns in 1673 glioma samples sourced from public datasets. A multi-genes signature was constructed for predicting clinical outcomes and response to immunotherapy in glioma patients. Immunohistochemistry and cellular experiments were performed for validation. RESULTS: Two m6A subtypes of gliomas were identified. The m6A-low-risk subtype was characterized by paucity of immune infiltrates; While the m6A-high-risk subtype had higher abundances of multiple immune cells including lymphocyte and macrophage as well as increased expression of PD-L1, corresponding to an immunosuppressive phenotype. The m6A-high-risk subtype had poorer survival than the m6A-low-risk subtype in both the glioblastoma and lower grade gliomas cohorts. Eight m6A-related hub genes of high prognostic significances were identified and selected for developing a scoring signature termed as m6Ascore. Elevated m6Ascore indicated worse survival for glioma patients under standard care, but showed enhanced response to immunotherapy. Moreover, we demonstrated that overexpression of FTO, a m6A demethylase, inhibited the expressions of m6A-related hub genes (PTX3, SPAG4), impaired glioma cell viability and reduced macrophage chemotaxis. CONCLUSION: This work develops an immune- and clinical-relevant m6A subtyping and a scoring model, which enhances our understanding of the role of m6A modification in regulating immune infiltration microenvironment in gliomas and helps to identify patients who are more likely to benefit from immunotherapy.

Humans↗
PubMed1977

Enzymatic basis for bioenergetic differences of alveolar versus peritoneal macrophages and enzyme regulation by molecular O2.

Alveolar macrophages (AM) and peritoneal macrophages (PM) originate from common precursor cells, but function in different O2 environments. In the present studies, the impact of different O2 tensions on cell metabolism has been quantitatively determined, an enzymatic basis for these differences established, and a mechanism which regulates enzymatic differences demonstrated. O2 consumption and lactate production were compared in rabbit AM and PM in air and nitrogen. In air, AM demonstrate significantly greater O2 utilization. In nitrogen, (where glycolysis is the major source of energy provision) lactate production is two- to threefold greater in the PM. A comparison of several enzymes of energy metabolism in AM and PM indicate that one basis for the differences in cell energetics is a difference in activity of key enzymes of both the oxidative phosphorlyative and the glycolytic sequences. Exposure of cultivated AM to hypoxic conditions results in changes in the activity of these enzymes such that the AM closely resembles the PM. A key enzyme in oxidative phosphorylation (cytochrome oxidase) shows decreased activity and reaches values similar to those found in the PM. A key enzyme in glycolysis (pyruvate kinase) shows increased activity to values resembling those found in the PM. These alterations in enzyme pattern occur in isolated cell systems, suggesting that molecular O2 modifies the intrinsic cellular regulation of some enzymes of energy metabolism. Alterations in O2 tension may lead to alterations of the rate of biosynthesis and (or) the rate of biodegradation of key enzymes involved in oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis. In turn, the alteration of enzyme patterns leads to a more suitable bioenergetic pattern as a function of O2 availability.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

Identifying the regulatory network of the key lipid metabolism transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor in oysters.

Rising seawater temperatures driven by global warming have led to summer mass mortality events that pose significant challenges for the oyster industry. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) serves as a key transcriptional regulator of lipid metabolism and plays an essential role in thermal adaptation. However, the upstream regulatory mechanisms of PPAR remain poorly understood in marine organisms. In this study, we identified two PPAR subtypes (PPAR&#x3b1; and PPAR&#x3b2;/&#x3b4;) in oysters and compared transcriptomic data in different tissues and under various environmental stressors, with PPAR&#x3b1; exhibiting higher expression levels and responsiveness to environmental stresses. We observed significantly higher PPAR&#x3b1; gene expression levels and promoter activity in the relatively cold-tolerant Crassostrea gigas compared to C. angulata. The low expression of the inhibitory transcription factor CTNNB1 in C. gigas may contribute to higher gene expression of PPAR&#x3b1;. Additionally, the expression genome-wide association study (eGWAS) identified 9 significant SNPs and 124 candidate regulatory genes associated with PPAR&#x3b1; expression, including ubiquitination, phosphorylation, signaling pathways, lipid metabolism, and glucose metabolism. We provided the first experimental validation of the PPAR&#x3b1; ubiquitination-degradation pathway in marine organisms via Co-IP, which was mediated by the E3 ligase RFWD3. The protein kinase SNF1 and signaling-related proteins PIKA and KCNK2 indirectly modulated PPAR&#x3b1; downstream pathway activation to varying degrees. This study presents the first systematic investigation of PPAR&#x3b1; expression regulation in marine organisms. It identifies key molecular regulators and provides novel insights into lipid metabolic regulation and molecular targets for genetic improvement of heat tolerance in oysters under global warming.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Molecular mechanisms regulating the interactions between the benzodazepines and GABA receptors in the central nervous system.

Using radioreceptor assay techniques to measure the kinetics of GABA and diazepam receptors, a relationship between GABA and benzodiazepine receptors has been firmly established in membranes of brain and neuroblastoma NB2a clonal cell lines. Occupancy of benzodiazepine receptors uncovers a new population of GABA receptors (GABA2 receptors) endowed with high affinity for GABA. Moreover, stimulation of GABA receptors increases the affinity of 1,4-benzodiazepine receptors for 1,4-benzodiazepines. This reciprocal interaction appears to be mediated by an endogenous regulatory protein (for details on this protein see [14 and 29]) which allosterically regulates GABA2 receptors while it competitively interacts with benzodiazepines for their specific binding sites. The rank order of potency of the various 1,4-benzodiazepines to block the action of this protein inhibitor on GABA receptors is related to their capacity to displace 3H-diazepam binding. These data suggest that the interaction between the 1,4-benzodiazepine receptors and the endogenous protein modulator of GABA2 receptors might play a role in the pharmacological action of the 1,4-benzodiazepines.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

Cucurbitacins in Plant-Insect Interactions: Biosynthesis, Regulation, Ecological Functions, and Prospects for Crop Protection.

Cucurbitacins are highly oxygenated tetracyclic triterpenoids characterized by intense bitterness, substantial structural diversity, and important consequences for plant-herbivore interactions. Although best known from Cucurbitaceae, cucurbitacins and related cucurbitane-type metabolites also occur in phylogenetically distant herbaceous and woody plants. Genetic and biochemical studies have validated several core biosynthetic steps, including cucurbitadienol formation by oxidosqualene cyclases and subsequent modification by cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, acyltransferases, and glycosyltransferases. Tissue-preferential basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors constitute the best-characterized regulatory layer, whereas the evidence supporting accessory regulators, transporters, and environmental responses varies from functional validation to transcriptomic or genomic prediction. From the plant perspective, cucurbitacins deter feeding or impair performance in many generalist and non-adapted herbivores. By contrast, their use as host-recognition cues and feeding stimulants by specialist diabroticite beetles reflects evolved herbivore adaptations involving perception, tolerance, metabolism, or sequestration rather than a second defensive function of the plant trait. Herbivore-induced cucurbitacin accumulation has been demonstrated in particular systems, although its regulatory mechanisms and ecological generality remain unresolved. Unlike previous reviews centered primarily on cucurbitacin chemistry, pharmacological activity, or individual biosynthetic pathways, this review integrates evidence-graded pathway reconstruction and molecular regulation with taxonomic distribution, insect adaptation, domestication, and agroecological consequences. Mechanistically, this review traces how scaffold formation, oxidative tailoring, conjugation, tissue-specific regulation, and transport give rise to contrasting ecological outcomes through herbivore-specific perception, tolerance, metabolism, and sequestration. We conclude that uniformly increasing or eliminating cucurbitacins is unlikely to provide broadly effective crop resistance because either direction may favor a different herbivore group. Future priorities include functional validation of candidate genes, spatially resolved metabolite analysis, comparative investigation of non-cucurbit lineages, and field evaluation involving generalist and specialist herbivores, crop quality, and non-target organisms. These advances will support context-specific fruit-quality improvement, behavioral pest control, and integrated pest management strategies rather than cucurbitacin manipulation as a stand-alone resistance approach.

agroecology↗
PubMed2026

FOS Regulates Myogenic and Adipogenic Differentiation via Extracellular Matrix Signaling.

In the livestock industry, intramuscular fat deposition is a key factor influencing meat tenderness and flavor. Although FOS (Fos proto-oncogene, AP-1 transcription factor subunit) has been implicated in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation, its differential roles in myogenic and adipogenic regulation remain unclear. In this study, we revealed that FOS markedly enhanced myogenic differentiation while inhibiting adipogenic differentiation in muscle stem cells, indicating that it exerts distinct effects on muscle development and intramuscular fat deposition. Mechanistically, FOS modulated extracellular matrix signaling by regulating FAK and PXN phosphorylation, acting as a molecular regulator between the muscle and fat lineages. Furthermore, exon SNPs in FOS were associated with slaughter weight and backfat thickness, and the mutant genotypes weakened its antiadipogenic effect. Collectively, these findings suggest that FOS is an important regulator of myogenic and adipogenic differentiation and is a potential candidate gene for the genetic improvement of meat quality traits.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

Resurrection biology: Melatonin as a modulator of anastasis (Review).

Although apoptosis is regarded as an irreversible and terminal process, recent research has identified anastasis as a cellular mechanism that enables cell recovery even after the activation of executioner caspases. While important in supporting tissue homeostasis following mild or transient injury, anastasis presents significant challenges in oncology, as cancer cells may exploit this phenomenon to evade chemotherapy, subsequently acquiring aggressive traits such as genomic instability, stem&#x2011;like properties, and increased metastatic capacity. N&#x2011;acetyl&#x2011;5&#x2011;methoxytryptamine (melatonin), recognized for its antioxidant activity and role as a mitochondrial regulator, has been associated with several biological processes that overlap with pathways involved in anastasis, including mitochondrial bioenergetics, redox homeostasis, and DNA repair mechanisms. However, direct evidence supporting a role for melatonin in regulating anastasis remains limited. The present review consolidated current insights into the molecular regulation of anastasis, examining its biphasic transcriptional profile and oncogenic consequences, while exploring the mechanistic links between melatonin biology and pathways relevant to apoptotic recovery and evaluating the therapeutic prospects of melatonin in targeting anastasis as a strategy to mitigate tumor recurrence and improve clinical outcomes.

Melatonin↗
PubMed2025

Computational network biology analysis revealed COVID-19 severity markers: Molecular interplay between HLA-II with CIITA.

COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, rapidly spread worldwide. Severe and critical patients are expected to rapidly deteriorate. Although several studies have attempted to uncover the mechanisms underlying COVID-19 severity, most have focused on the perturbations of single genes. However, the complex mechanism of COVID-19 involves numerous perturbed genes in a molecular network rather than a single abnormal gene. Thus, we aimed to identify COVID-19 severity-specific markers in the Japanese population using gene network analysis. In order to reveal the severity-specific molecular interplays, we developed a novel computational network biology strategy that measures dissimilarity between networks based on the comprehensive information of gene network (i.e., expression levels of genes and network structure) by using Kullback-Leibler divergence. Monte Carlo simulations demonstrated the effectiveness of our strategy for differential gene network analysis. We applied this method to publicly available whole blood RNA-seq data from the Japan coronavirus disease 2019 Task Force and identified differentially regulated molecular interplays between 368 severe and 105 non-severe samples. Our analysis suggests the gene network between HLA class II, CIITA, and CD74 as a COVID-19 severity specific molecular marker. Although the association between HLA class II and COVID-19 has been demonstrated, our data analysis revealed that the molecular interplay of HLA class II with its target and/or regulator is a crucial marker for COVID-19 severity. Our findings from computational network biology analysis suggest that suppression and activation of the molecular interplay between HLA class II, CIITA, and CD74 provide crucial clues to uncover the mechanisms of COVID-19 severity.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

Regulation of immune signal integration and memory by inflammation-induced chromosome conformation.

Three-dimensional (3D) genome conformation is central to gene expression regulation, yet our understanding of its contribution to rapid transcriptional responses, signal integration, and memory in immune cells is limited. Here, we study the molecular regulation of the inflammatory response in primary macrophages using integrated transcriptomic, epigenomic, and chromosome conformation data, including base pair-resolution Micro Capture-C. We demonstrate that interleukin-4 (IL-4) primes the inflammatory response in macrophages by stably rewiring 3D genome conformation, juxtaposing endotoxin-, interferon-gamma-, and dexamethasone-responsive enhancers to their cognate gene promoters. CRISPR-based perturbations of enhancer-promoter contacts or CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) boundary elements show that IL-4-driven conformation changes are required for enhanced and synergistic endotoxin-induced transcriptional responses, as well as transcriptional memory following stimulus removal. Moreover, transcriptional memory mediated by changes in chromosome conformation can occur in the absence of changes in chromatin accessibility or histone modifications. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that rapid and memory transcriptional responses to immunological stimuli are encoded in the 3D genome.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

Sex- and development-specific transcriptomic profiling of venom and silk genes in the wolf spider Pardosa astrigera provides insights into ecological adaptation and predatory strategies.

Spider venom and silk glands are two major secretory systems that contribute to prey capture, defense, and reproduction, but their sex- and development-specific molecular regulation in wandering wolf spiders remains poorly understood. Here, the transcriptome of Pardosa astrigera, an important agricultural natural enemy in China, revealed significant sex- and development-associated molecular differentiation among adult females, adult males, and spiderlings. A total of 100,025 unigenes were obtained, of which 23,852 were functionally annotated, providing a comprehensive transcriptomic resource for this species. Differential expression patterns showed marked variation among groups, with 531, 1792, and 832 DEGs detected in PAF vs PAS, PAM vs PAS, and PAF vs PAM, respectively. These genes were mainly associated with metabolic, oxidation-reduction, cuticle development, MAPK signaling, and lysosome pathways. Fifteen co-expression modules revealed distinct expression patterns. The turquoise, pink, yellow, and red modules were development-related, whereas the blue module was male-biased. Venom- and spidroin-related genes were distributed across multiple modules, suggesting coordinated regulation. Overall, 42 venom peptides, 21 venom proteins, and 11 spidroins were identified. Representative genes showed strongly biased expression, including spiderling-biased U3_Pp1a and U5_Pp1e, female-biased U4_Pp1a, and male-biased SMase D_108750 and PaTuSp_108466. These findings reveal sex- and development-biased expression patterns of venom- and silk-related candidate genes in P. astrigera and may provide molecular insights into ecological adaptation and predatory strategies in wandering wolf spiders.

Animals↗
PubMed2024

Kick-starting the zygotic genome: licensors, specifiers, and beyond.

Zygotic genome activation (ZGA), the first transcription event following fertilization, kickstarts the embryonic program that takes over the control of early development from the maternal products. How ZGA occurs, especially in mammals, is poorly understood due to the limited amount of research materials. With the rapid development of single-cell and low-input technologies, remarkable progress made in the past decade has unveiled dramatic transitions of the epigenomes, transcriptomes, proteomes, and metabolomes associated with ZGA. Moreover, functional investigations are yielding insights into the key regulators of ZGA, among which two major classes of players are emerging: licensors and specifiers. Licensors would control the permission of transcription and its timing during ZGA. Accumulating evidence suggests that such licensors of ZGA include regulators of the transcription apparatus and nuclear gatekeepers. Specifiers would instruct the activation of specific genes during ZGA. These specifiers include key transcription factors present at this stage, often facilitated by epigenetic regulators. Based on data primarily from mammals but also results from other species, we discuss in this review how recent research sheds light on the molecular regulation of ZGA and its executors, including the licensors and specifiers.

Animals↗