The developmental potential of iPSCs is greatly influenced by reprogramming factor selection

Cell Stem Cell. 2014 Sep 4;15(3):295-309. doi: 10.1016/j.stem.2014.07.003.

Abstract

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are commonly generated by transduction of Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and Myc (OSKM) into cells. Although iPSCs are pluripotent, they frequently exhibit high variation in terms of quality, as measured in mice by chimera contribution and tetraploid complementation. Reliably high-quality iPSCs will be needed for future therapeutic applications. Here, we show that one major determinant of iPSC quality is the combination of reprogramming factors used. Based on tetraploid complementation, we found that ectopic expression of Sall4, Nanog, Esrrb, and Lin28 (SNEL) in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) generated high-quality iPSCs more efficiently than other combinations of factors including OSKM. Although differentially methylated regions, transcript number of master regulators, establishment of specific superenhancers, and global aneuploidy were comparable between high- and low-quality lines, aberrant gene expression, trisomy of chromosome 8, and abnormal H2A.X deposition were distinguishing features that could potentially also be applicable to human.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cellular Reprogramming*
  • Chimera
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 8 / genetics
  • DNA Methylation / genetics
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Enhancer Elements, Genetic / genetics
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Genome / genetics
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Kruppel-Like Factor 4
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Inbred DBA
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Trisomy / genetics

Substances

  • H2AX protein, mouse
  • Histones
  • KLF4 protein, human
  • Klf4 protein, mouse
  • Kruppel-Like Factor 4
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Transcription Factors

Supplementary concepts

  • Chromosome 8, trisomy