1. Core pluripotency factors OCT4 and SOX2 inhibit companion-mediated autophagy (CMA), a selective form of autophagy, until differentiation begins.
2. Low CMA activity promotes self-renewal of embryonic stem cells while its upregulation enhances differentiation.
3. CMA degradation of isocitrate dehydrogenases IDH1 and IDH2, as well as reduced levels of intracellular alpha-ketoglutarate, shape the epigenetic landscape of stem cells and control the balance between self-renewal and differentiation.
The article is generally reliable and trustworthy in terms of its content, sources, and evidence presented. The authors provide a comprehensive overview of their research findings on how companion-mediated autophagy regulates pluripotency in embryonic stem cells, including detailed descriptions of their experiments and results. The authors also cite relevant literature to support their claims throughout the article.
However, there are some potential biases that should be noted. For example, the authors do not explore any counterarguments or alternative explanations for their findings; they only present their own conclusions without considering other perspectives or interpretations. Additionally, the article does not discuss any possible risks associated with manipulating companion-mediated autophagy in embryonic stem cells; this could be an important point to consider when interpreting the results presented in the article.