New option in creating iPS cells

Stem cells

Researchers in Singapore discovered that the transcription factor Nr5a2 can replace the reprogramming factor Oct4.

According to Ng Huck Hui, PhD, at the Genome Institute of Singapore, and colleagues, this discovery can significantly increase the efficacy of reprogramming differentiated stem cells into induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.

Until now, transcription factors Oct4, Sox2, and Klf4 were needed to induce reprogramming of differentiated cells. This new information provides scientists with a new combination, Nr5a2, Sox2, and Klf4 to do the same thing.

“Given Oct4’s critical role in embryonic stem cells and reprogramming, we are very surprised with the discovery that Nr5a2 could replace Oct4,” said Dr Ng. “This study highlights the prospect of finding more surprises in the field of reprogramming.”

Scientifically, iPS cells could be the start of organ generation for replacement, so the more that is known about how to reprogram these stem cells the better outlook there is for these endeavors.

The team’s research is published in the January 21 issue of the journal Cell Stem Cell.