Poly(A) tail regulation in stem cells and early development

Eukaryotic mRNAs are polyadenylated at their 3'-ends, and the poly(A) tails play critical roles in post-transcriptional gene regulation by influencing mRNA stability and translation. Here, we describe the biological processes and major protein factors that control poly(A) tail synthesis and shortening. We also discuss recent breakthroughs in poly(A) tail sequencing methods that enable high throughput and accurate measurement of poly(A) tail lengths. Finally, we review how poly(A)-tail regulators and poly(A)-tail-mediated post-transcriptional mechanisms affect stem cell fate and early embryonic development.