Regulation of iPS Cell Induction by Wnt/beta-catenin Signaling.

Publication Year:

2014

Authors:

Peilin Zhang, Wen-Hsuan Chang, Brendan Fong, Fan Gao, Chunming Liu, Denise Al Alam, Saverio Bellusci, Wange Lu

PubMed ID:

24482235

Funding Grants:

Defining the molecular mechanisms of somatic cell reprogramming

Public Summary:

Wnt signaling has been implicated in promoting somatic cell reprogramming. However, its molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Here we report that Wnt/beta-catenin enhances iPSCs induction at the early stage of reprogramming. The augmented reprogramming induced by beta-catenin is not due to increased total cell population or activation of c-Myc. In addition, beta-catenin interacts with reprogramming factors Klf4, Oct4 and Sox2, further enhancing expression of pluripotency circuitry genes. These studies reveal novel mechanisms underlying the regulation of reprogramming somatic cells to pluripotency by Wnt/beta-catenin signaling.

Scientific Abstract:

Wnt signaling has been implicated in promoting somatic cell reprogramming. However, its molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Here we report that Wnt/beta-catenin enhances iPSCs induction at the early stage of reprogramming. The augmented reprogramming induced by beta-catenin is not due to increased total cell population or activation of c-Myc. In addition, beta-catenin interacts with reprogramming factors Klf4, Oct4 and Sox2, further enhancing expression of pluripotency circuitry genes. These studies reveal novel mechanisms underlying the regulation of reprogramming somatic cells to pluripotency by Wnt/beta-catenin signaling.