Alexandre Gaspar Maia

A gene crucial for embryonic stem cell pluripotency (the capability to differentiate into any type of cell) is described in the next issue of the journal Nature1. The gene - called Chd¹ – seems to act by maintaining the genetic material open and, in this way, poised to express any gene. Chd1 is also shown to be fundamental when re-activating differentiated tissue cells in order to create new stem cells. The discovery has implications, not only for a better understanding of stem cells unique characteristics, but also for the process of obtaining them from tissue-specific cells avoiding all the problems associated with embryonic stem cells.

*This article is the result of a project for the divulgation of portuguese science: http://www.cienciahoje.pt/1455