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Updated: Mar 18, 2026

A Simple Method to Identify Kinases That Regulate Embryonic Stem Cell Pluripotency by High-throughput Inhibitor Screening
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A Simple Method to Identify Kinases That Regulate Embryonic Stem Cell Pluripotency by High-throughput Inhibitor Screening

Published on: May 12, 2017

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Regulatory factors of induced pluripotency: current status

Wei Zhao1, Bo Ning1, Chen Qian1

  • 1Center for Inflammation and Epigenetics, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

Stem Cell Investigation
|July 1, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Reprogramming somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) using OSKM factors is inefficient. This review explores epigenetic regulators crucial for improving iPSC generation and clinical applications.

Area of Science:

  • Stem cell biology
  • Epigenetics
  • Cellular reprogramming

Background:

  • Somatic cells can be reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) via the OSKM transcription factors.
  • Current reprogramming efficiency remains significantly low, hindering therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of cellular reprogramming mechanisms.
  • To highlight the role of epigenetic regulators in achieving induced pluripotency.
  • To identify key factors influencing reprogramming efficiency and safety.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on molecular mechanisms.
  • Analysis of epigenetic regulators in induced pluripotency.
  • Synthesis of current research on reprogramming barriers.

Main Results:

  • Enforced expression of OSKM is insufficient for high-efficiency reprogramming.
  • Epigenetic stability and dedifferentiation potential are key factors.
  • Specific epigenetic regulators critically influence reprogramming outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding epigenetic regulators is vital for overcoming reprogramming inefficiencies.
  • Targeting these regulators can enhance the generation of safe and effective iPSCs.
  • This knowledge is crucial for advancing iPSC-based clinical therapies.
Keywords:
Cellular reprogrammingepigenetic reprogrammingepigeneticsinduced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)

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