Transcription Factors see Clearly Now That the Rain is Gone – Encoding Stem Cell Visions, Dreams and Memories

Cell identity relies on precise control of transcription factor (TF) activity and enhancer function. I will focus on uncoupling TF binding from transcription and transcription from DNA binding. I will discuss stories that feature TF occupancy at enhancers is important as a determinant of future cell state in either embryonic stem cell differentiation or regeneration.  How do pioneer transcription factors record cellular memory? How do they guide future cell fate choices? And how does transcription itself exploit them to both insure a robust transcriptional response and constrain their distribution to protect cell identity.