To differentiate or not to differentiate: regulation of cell fate decisions by being in the right place at the right time.

摘要

Cell fate decisions are influenced by intrinsic factors, expression of specific transcription factor genes, and cell-to-cell signaling. In addition, a recent paper by Moore et al. demonstrates that cell movements during development influence whether a cell becomes competent to express a particular fate. Interactions between the FGF and EphrinB1 signaling pathways regulate whether embryonic cells move into the eye field and ultimately contribute to the retina. This study illustrates the importance of being located in the right place at the right time during development.