Differential regulation of OCT4 targets facilitates reacquisition of pluripotency.

ABSTRACT: Ectopic transcription factor expression enables reprogramming of somatic cells to pluripotency, albeit with generally low efficiency. Despite steady progress in the field, the exact molecular mechanisms that coordinate this remarkable transition still remain largely elusive. To better characterize the final steps of pluripotency induction, we optimized an experimental system where pluripotent stem cells are differentiated for set intervals before being reintroduced to pluripotency-supporting conditions. Using this approach, we identify a transient period of high-efficiency reprogramming where ectopic transcription factors, but not serum/LIF alone, rapidly revert cells to pluripotency with near 100% efficiency. After this period, cells reprogram with somatic-like kinetics and efficiencies.

SUBMITTER: Thakurela S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6768871 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature