PRDM14 Ensures Naive Pluripotency through Dual Regulation of Signaling and Epigenetic Pathways in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

SummaryIn serum, mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) fluctuate between a naive inner cell mass (ICM)-like state and a primed epiblast-like state, but when cultured with inhibitors of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and glycogen synthase kinase 3 pathways (2i), they are harnessed exclusively in a distinct naive pluropotent state, the ground state, that more faithfully recapitulates the ICM. Understanding the mechanism underlying this naive pluripotent state will be critical for realizing the full potential of ESCs. We show here that PRDM14, a PR-domain-containing transcriptional regulator, ensures naive pluripotency through a dual mechanism: antagonizing activation of the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling by the core pluripotency transcriptional circuitry, and repressing expression of de novo DNA methyltransferases that modify the epigenome to a primed epiblast-like state. PRDM14 exerts these effects by recruiting polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) specifically to key targets and repressing their expression.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload high-quality image (207 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Prdm14 expression is important for maintenance of naive pluripotency
► PRDM14 antagonizes FGFR signaling and activates Akt-mTORC1 signaling
► PRDM14 represses de novo DNA methyltransferase expression
► This regulatory input is mediated through recruitment of PRC2