All's well that ends well: Alternative polyadenylation and its implications for stem cell biology

Stem cell quiescence, activation, and differentiation are governed by a complex network of molecular pathways. There has been a growing recognition that posttranscriptional modifications, such as alternative polyadenylation (APA) of transcripts, play an important role in regulating gene expression and function. Recent analyses of stem cell populations have suggested that APA controls stem cell fate and behavior. Here, we review recent developments that have shaped our understanding of the control of stem cell behavior by APA and we highlight promising areas for future investigation