... of DNA into chromatin prevents the binding of many transcription factors. Pioneer factors overcome this barrier owing to unique properties that enable them to bind closed chromatin, promote accessibility and, in so doing, mediate binding of additional factors that activate gene expression. Because...

... as in controlling cell proliferation, lineage decisions and differentiation. Recent studies have revealed that the ability of SOX2 to regulate these stem cell features involves its function as a pioneer factor, with the capacity to target nucleosomal DNA, modulate chromatin accessibility and prepare silent genes...

... have the unique property of binding closed chromatin and facilitating the establishment of these accessible regions. Nonetheless, much of how pioneer transcription factors coordinate changes in chromatin accessibility during development remains unknown. To determine whether pioneer-factor function...

..., these data indicate that the pancreatic endocrine-specific TF NeuroD1 may function as a pioneer factor accompanied by the establishment of a subset of active or primed enhancers in Ngn3-high cells. However, NeuroD1 may not be the only pioneer factor during the transition, given that many other newly formed...

... to maintain a proper balance between self-renewal and differentiation towards neuronal or glial lineages. TALE-homeodomain protein Adult neurogenesis Subventricular zone Cell fate specification Doublecortin Pioneer factor Highlighted article: The TALE-homeodomain protein PBX1 promotes...