biostudies-literatureUnknown17(11)Chondronasiou DDifferentiated cells can be converted into pluripotent stem cells by expressing the transcription factors OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and MYC (OSKM) in a process known as reprogramming. Here, using single-cell RNA sequencing of pancreas undergoing reprogramming, we identify markers along the trajectory from acinar cell identity to pluripotency. These markers allow direct in situ visualization of cells undergoing dedifferentiation and acquiring features of early and advanced intermediate reprogramming. We also find that a fraction of cells do not dedifferentiate upon OSKM expression and are characterized by stress markers of the REG3 and AP-1 families. Importantly, most markers of intermediate reprogramming in the pancreas are also observed in stomach, colon, and cultured fibroblasts expressing OSKM.Stem cell reports2501-2517https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9669407biostudies-literatureDeciphering the roadmap of in vivo reprogramming toward pluripotency.PMC9669407Melendez ELynch CJPozo NDPrats NReal FXMartinez de Villarreal JChondronasiou DAguilera MSerrano MKovatcheva MfalseDeciphering the roadmap of in vivo reprogramming toward pluripotency.Differentiated cells can be converted into pluripotent stem cells by expressing the transcription factors OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and MYC (OSKM) in a process known as reprogramming. Here, using single-cell RNA sequencing of pancreas undergoing reprogramming, we identify markers along the trajectory from acinar cell identity to pluripotency. These markers allow direct in situ visualization of cells undergoing dedifferentiation and acquiring features of early and advanced intermediate reprogramming. We also find that a fraction of cells do not dedifferentiate upon OSKM expression and are characterized by stress markers of the REG3 and AP-1 families. Importantly, most markers of intermediate reprogramming in the pancreas are also observed in stomach, colon, and cultured fibroblasts expressing OSKM.2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Nov2025-04-21T14:14:45.407Z2025-04-21T14:14:45.407ZS-EPMC96694073627028110.1016/j.stemcr.2022.09.009