The molecular mechanisms that regulate the transition from totipotency into divergent cellular states are unclear. Two new studies show that the transcription factors TFAP2C, NR5A2 and TEAD4 (TNT) support the formation of a transient bipotent state by activating early pluripotency and trophectoderm genes and modulating HIPPO signaling.
- Chad S. Driscoll
- Jaehwan Kim
- Jason G. Knott