Heterokaryon-based reprogramming of human B lymphocytes for pluripotency requires Oct4 but not Sox2.

ABSTRACT: Differentiated cells can be reprogrammed through the formation of heterokaryons and hybrid cells when fused with embryonic stem (ES) cells. Here, we provide evidence that conversion of human B-lymphocytes towards a multipotent state is initiated much more rapidly than previously thought, occurring in transient heterokaryons before nuclear fusion and cell division. Interestingly, reprogramming of human lymphocytes by mouse ES cells elicits the expression of a human ES-specific gene profile, in which markers of human ES cells are expressed (hSSEA4, hFGF receptors and ligands), but markers that are specific to mouse ES cells are not (e.g., Bmp4 and LIF receptor). Using genetically engineered mouse ES cells, we demonstrate that successful reprogramming of human lymphocytes is independent of So

SUBMITTER: Pereira CF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2527997 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature