Depletion of Sorcs3 Activates Totipotency in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells by Modulating Key Signaling Pathways.

ABSTRACT: Totipotency represents the greatest potential to yield an entire individual alongside its associated extraembryonic tissues, albeit transiently. Nevertheless, achieving sustainable totipotent stem cells remains an intriguing yet challenging endeavor. Here, it is reported that Sorcs3 depletion in murine embryonic stem cells (ESCs) enables robust differentiation into both embryonic and extraembryonic lineages, resulting in a totipotent-like state. Notably, Sorcs3 knockout (SKO)-ESCs can efficiently self-assemble into typical blastocyst-like structures, offering a versatile model for studying early embryonic development. Comprehensive analyses reveal that totipotency in SKO-ESCs is related to Tfap2c gene activation. Deletion of Tfap2c significantly reduces the developmental potential of SKO-E

SUBMITTER: Zhang W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12866853 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature