Recombinant Proteins
Product List
NANOG Human
NANOG Human Recombinant
NANOG Human, His
Nanog Human Recombinant, His Tag
NANOGP8 Human
Nanog Homeobox Pseudogene 8 Human Recombinant
NANOG-TAT Human
NANOG-TAT Human Recombinant
Introduction
NANOG is a homeobox transcription factor crucial for maintaining the pluripotency of embryonic stem cells (ESCs). It is encoded by the NANOG gene located on chromosome 12 in humans . NANOG belongs to the homeobox family of DNA-binding transcription factors, which play pivotal roles in regulating gene expression during early embryonic development .
Key Biological Properties: NANOG is a master regulator of pluripotency, enabling ESCs to self-renew and maintain an undifferentiated state . It is characterized by its ability to bind DNA and regulate the expression of genes involved in maintaining stem cell properties .
Expression Patterns: NANOG is predominantly expressed in pluripotent stem cells, including ESCs and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) . Its expression is tightly regulated and diminishes as cells differentiate .
Tissue Distribution: NANOG expression is primarily restricted to early embryonic tissues and pluripotent stem cells . It is also detected in certain cancer stem cells, where it contributes to tumorigenicity .
Primary Biological Functions: NANOG plays a critical role in maintaining the pluripotency and self-renewal of ESCs . It works in concert with other transcription factors such as OCT4 and SOX2 to establish and maintain the pluripotent state .
Role in Immune Responses and Pathogen Recognition: While NANOG’s primary function is related to stem cell pluripotency, its role in immune responses and pathogen recognition is not well-documented. However, its expression in certain cancer stem cells suggests a potential involvement in immune evasion mechanisms .
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: NANOG interacts with various transcription factors, including OCT4 and SOX2, to regulate gene expression and maintain pluripotency . It binds to specific DNA sequences and modulates the transcription of target genes .
Binding Partners and Downstream Signaling Cascades: NANOG forms complexes with other pluripotency factors and co-regulators to orchestrate a network of gene expression that sustains the undifferentiated state of stem cells . It activates or represses downstream signaling pathways involved in cell fate determination .
Transcriptional Regulation: NANOG expression is regulated by upstream transcription factors, including OCT4 and SOX2, which bind to its promoter region and activate its transcription . Additionally, NANOG can autoregulate its expression by binding to its promoter .
Post-Translational Modifications: NANOG undergoes various post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination, which influence its stability and activity . These modifications play a crucial role in fine-tuning NANOG’s function in stem cells .
Biomedical Research: NANOG is extensively studied in the context of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. Its role in maintaining pluripotency makes it a valuable tool for generating iPSCs and studying early embryonic development .
Diagnostic Tools: NANOG expression is used as a marker for pluripotent stem cells and certain cancer stem cells . Its detection can aid in the identification and characterization of these cell types .
Therapeutic Strategies: Targeting NANOG and its regulatory network holds potential for developing therapies aimed at eradicating cancer stem cells and improving regenerative medicine approaches .
Development: NANOG is essential during early embryonic development, where it maintains the pluripotency of ESCs and ensures proper cell lineage specification . Its expression is critical for the formation of the inner cell mass in blastocysts .
Aging and Disease: While NANOG expression is primarily associated with early development, its aberrant expression in adult tissues is linked to tumorigenesis . NANOG-positive cancer stem cells contribute to tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance to therapy .
