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Somatic to iPS Cell Reprogramming

Somatic to iPS Cell Reprogramming

Reprogramming alters the gene expression in somatic cells, transforming them into induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells over several generations. Scientists can reprogram cells by introducing genes for four transcription factors—Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc (OSKM) by viral or non-viral methods. These factors are also known as Yamanaka factors after Shinya Yamanaka, who first generated iPS cells using mouse skin cells. Yamanaka was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2012 for this...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Oct4GiP Reporter Assay to Study Genes that Regulate Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Maintenance and Self-renewal

Oct4GiP Reporter Assay to Study Genes that Regulate Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Maintenance and Self-renewal

Published on: May 30, 2012

Hooking up with Oct4.

Ihor R Lemischka¹

¹Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029-6574, USA.

|April 6, 2010

Summary

The transcription factor Oct4 is key to maintaining stem cell pluripotency. New research reveals its extensive protein network, deepening our understanding of stem cell control.

Area of Science:

Stem Cell Biology
Molecular Biology
Epigenetics

Background:

Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) is essential for maintaining the pluripotency of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
Understanding the molecular mechanisms governing pluripotency is crucial for regenerative medicine and developmental biology.
Previous studies have identified some Oct4-interacting proteins, but a comprehensive network remained largely uncharacterized.

Discussion:

Two complementary studies published in Cell Stem Cell elucidate the extensive protein-protein interaction network of Oct4.
These findings reveal novel partners and regulatory pathways associated with Oct4 function.
The research highlights the complex interplay of proteins that maintain the undifferentiated state.

Key Insights:

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Identification of a broad spectrum of Oct4-interacting proteins, expanding the known Oct4 interactome.
Uncovering new regulatory modules and signaling pathways critical for pluripotency.
Provides a foundation for further investigation into the precise roles of these interactions.

Outlook:

Further functional characterization of identified Oct4-binding proteins will refine our understanding of pluripotency.
These insights could lead to novel strategies for controlling stem cell fate and therapeutic applications.
The detailed Oct4 network serves as a valuable resource for the stem cell research community.