Since the first generation of induced Pluripotent Stem cells (iPSCs), several reprogramming systems have been used to study its molecular mechanisms. However, the system of choice largely affects the reprogramming efficiency, influencing our view on the mechanisms. Here we demonstrate that reprogramming triggered by less efficient polycistronic reprogramming cassettes not only highlights Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition (MET) as a roadblock, but also faces more severe difficulties to attain a pluripotent state even post-MET. Also, in contrast to previous findings, more efficient cassettes can reprogram both wild type and Nanog-/- fibroblasts with comparable efficiencies, routes and kinetics, rebutting previous studies that Nanog is critical for iPSC generation. We revealed that the 9 amino acids in the N-terminus of Klf4 in polycistronic reprogramming cassettes are the dominant factor causing these critical differences. Our data establishes that some reprogramming roadblocks are system-dependent, highlighting the need to pursue mechanistic studies with close attention to the systems to better understand reprogramming. Overall design: The aim of the experiment is to compare the reprogramming pathways driven by two different polycistronic cassettes (MKOS and OKMS). We have isolated cells at intermediate stages of both MKOS and OKMS reprogramming and analysed their gene expression profiles. 2N- are CD44- ICAM1-, Nanog-GFP-, 3N- are CD44- ICAM1+, Nanog-GFP-, 3N+ are CD44- ICAM1+, Nanog-GFP+, all from day 10 of reprogramming. MKOS/OKMS iPSCs are established iPSC clones, TNG an Embryonic Stem Cell line carrying a Nanog-GFP reporter published in Chambers et al. Cell, 113, 643-655, from this line TNG MKOS and OKMS Embryonic Stem Cells were generated after targeting the Sp3 locus with the MKOS or the OKMS cassette respectively,E14 a reference Embryonic Stem Cell line and MEF are Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts either wild type or generaterd from TNG MKOS or OKMS ESCs. D6 is the D6s4B5 iPSC line published in O''Malley et al. Nature, 499, 88-91.
Reprogramming Roadblocks Are System Dependent.
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View SamplesDuring gastrulation, epiblast cells are pluripotent and their fate is thought to be constrained principally by their position. Cell fate is progressively restricted by localised signalling cues from areas including the primitive streak (PS). However, it is unknown whether this restriction accompanies, at the single cell level, a reduction in potency. Investigation of these early transition events in vitro is possible via the use of Epiblast Stem Cells (EpiSCs), self-renewing pluripotent cell lines equivalent to the postimplantation epiblast. Strikingly, EpiSCs express various early lineage-specific markers in self-renewing conditions. However, it is unknown whether cells that express these markers are pluripotent, spontaneously differentiated, or biased towards specific lineages. Here we show that EpiSC are inherently heterogeneous and contain two major and mutually exclusive subpopulations with PS and neural characteristics respectively. Using differentiation assays and embryo grafting we demonstrate that PS-like EpiSCs are biased towards mesoderm and endoderm differentiation but they still retain their pluripotent character. The acquisition of a PS character by undifferentiated EpiSC is mediated by paracrine Wnt signalling. Elevation of Wnt activity promotes further restriction into PS-associated cell fates which occurs via the generation of distinct clonal mesendodermal and neuromesodermal precursors. Collectively, our data suggest that primed pluripotency encompasses a range of reversible lineage-biased states reflecting the birth of pioneer lineage precursors from a pool of uncommitted EpiSCs similar to the earliest cell fate restriction events taking place in the gastrula-stage epiblast.
Distinct Wnt-driven primitive streak-like populations reflect in vivo lineage precursors.
Sex, Specimen part
View Samples4-day-old XW119 seedlings were treated with 2% Ethanol on MS agar plates under light, and samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 4 hours.
STIMPY mediates cytokinin signaling during shoot meristem establishment in Arabidopsis seedlings.
Age, Compound, Time
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