Figure 1.

MYC regulatory networks in pluripotent stem cells. Schematic representation of part of the molecular mechanisms through which MYC affects the PSC identity. MYC supports the pluripotent state by favoring both the typical cell cycle structure and metabolism of PSCs. In addition, it contributes to repress developmental genes, in collaboration with MIZ-1 and PRC2. MYC further extends its regulatory action by integrating a complex network of ncRNAs, which finally affects all aspects of the PSC life. Moreover, by interacting with chromatin modifiers and remodelers, MYC controls the epigenetic state of PSCs. Finally, it is also a downstream effector of the LIF pathway and involved in modulating both the MAPK/ERK and the WNT signaling, which converge on the core of PSCs. For detailed description see the text. Solid green and red arrows indicate a MYC-mediated positive or negative regulation of nearby genes, respectively. Dotted green and red arrows are used to indicate the integration of multiple roles of MYC, which can either sustain or counteract the pluripotent state, respectively. Solid black arrows and flat lines indicate activation or repression, respectively. Red crosses indicate lack of transcription of reported genes.