Transcriptional networks are dynamically regulated during cell cycle progression in human Pluripotent Stem Cells

Abstract

Cell cycle progression follows a precise sequence of events marked by different phases and checkpoints which are associated with specific chromatin organisation. Whilst these changes have been extensively studied, their consequences on transcriptional networks remain to be fully uncovered, especially in dynamic model systems such as stem cells. Here, we take advantage of the FUCCI reporter system to show that chromatin accessibility, gene expression and key transcription factors binding change during cell cycle progression in human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESCs). These analyses reveal that core pluripotency factors such as OCT4, NANOG and SOX2 but also chromatin remodelers such as CTCF and RING1B bind the genome at specific phases of the cell cycle. Importantly, this binding pattern allows differentiation in the G1 phase while preserving pluripotency in the S/G2/M. Our results highlight the importance of studying transcriptional and epigenetic regulations in the dynamic context of the cell cycle.