JAK2 phosphorylates H3-Y41 residues to exclude the heterochromatin factor HP1α from chromatin. JAK2 is found to be required for maintenance of mouse embryonic stem cells through its action on the Nanog promoter. A mutant form of JAK2 associated with a myeloproliferative disorder allows embryonic stem cells to self renew in absence of cytokines.
- Dean S. Griffiths
- Juan Li
- Berthold Göttgens