CMMC/CECAD scientist Alvaro Rada-Iglesias discovered novel regulator for stem cell development

Very early during development, pluripotent cells within mammalian embryos need to undertake a major cell fate decision and become specified towards either the perishable soma or the immortal germline.  Despite its relevance, there is still a relatively poor understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating this cellular decision. Recent work from the Rada-Iglesias laboratory (Center for Molecular Medicine in Cologne (CMMC) and CECAD, University of Cologne, Germany) has uncovered the transcription factor Foxd3 as a novel and important regulator orchestrating these early and transient developmental transitions. Their findings have been now published in the latest number of the Cell Stem Cell journal.