HMGA1 reprograms somatic cells into pluripotent stem cells by inducing stem cell transcriptional networks.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although recent studies have identified genes expressed in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) that induce pluripotency, the molecular underpinnings of normal stem cell function remain poorly understood. The high mobility group A1 (HMGA1) gene is highly expressed in hESCs and poorly differentiated, stem-like cancers; however, its role in these settings has been unclear.

Methods/principal findings

We show that HMGA1 is highly expressed in fully reprogrammed iPSCs and hESCs, with intermediate levels in ECCs and low levels in fibroblasts. When hESCs are induced to differentiate, HMGA1 decreases and parallels that of other pluripotency factors. Conversely, forced expression of HMGA1 blocks differentiation of hESCs. We also discovered that HMGA1 enhances cellular reprog

SUBMITTER: Shah SN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3499526 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature