Nuclear Transcription Factor Detection.

Cellular fate is determined by the activity of nuclear transcription factors. Here, we describe a series of protocols for detecting transcription factors at both the transcript and protein levels in human adipose cells. Methods for analysis of transcript include RNA extraction, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), endpoint PCR, and RT-qPCR.

MED31 involved in regulating self-renewal and adipogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells.

Regulation of gene expression is critical for the maintenance of cell state and homeostasis. Aberrant regulation of genes can lead to unwanted cell proliferation or misdirected differentiation. Here we investigate the role of MED31, a highly conserved subunit of the Mediator complex, to determine the role this subunit plays in the maintenance of human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) state.