CLEAVAGE OF NANOG BY CASPASES MEDIATES THE DIFFERENTIATION OF EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS

摘要

A caspase specifically cleaves the transcription factor, Nanog, leading to the initiation of cellular differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells. A method of inhibiting the cleavage of Nanog, thereby maintaining the pluripotency of an ES cell or preventing the differentiation of an ES cell is disclosed. Further provided are compositions and methods for inhibiting caspase expression, activity, and/or stability