Stem cells are primal cells that can renew themselves through cell division and are not differentiated cells.  Therefore stem cells can then, further differentiate into other types of cells.  There are two types of stem cells, adult stem (AS) cells and embryonic stem (ES) cells.  AS cells are obtain through the umbilical cord or in several other areas of mature adult tissues such as the brain and eyes.  AS cells serve as a repair system for the body to replenish specialized cells however, AS cells are rare and difficult to identify.  ES cells on the other hand, are produced from an embryo that has recently undergone somatic nuclear transfer (SNT).  This method allows for the transfer of somatic DNA into embryos and has been proven to increase viability of ES cells [18].  After SNT, ES cells can be collected from the inner cell mass of blastocysts. 

Transcription plays a role in regulating early development of these stem cells.  Failure to activate essential genes in early development could be a cause for the loss of viable cells [20].  Transcription factors (TF’s) play a role in regulation and in differentiation of stem cells.  The TF’s OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG regulate genes that produce opposing effects.  The TF’s can either activate genes that cause self-renewal or activate differentiation [19]. The cell cyle of ES and AS cells can be better understood with more knowledge of transcription.

Kornberg’s work has aid in the mapping of transcription.  It has increased our understanding of regulation and mechanism of transcription, thus allowing further development of techniques and treatments.  Gene expression and differentiation can be controlled in stem cells with better understanding of transcription. 

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