Reprogramming Urine-Derived Cells using Commercially Available Self-Replicative RNA and a Single Electroporation

We describe a protocol for efficient generation of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) from urine-derived cells (UDCs) obtained from adult donors using self-replicative RNA containing the reprogramming factors OCT3/4, SOX2, KLF4, GLIS1, and c-MYC (ReproRNA-OKSGM). After electroporation, transfection efficiency is quantified by measuring OCT3/4-expressing UDCs using flow cytometry and should be ≥0.1%. hiPSC colonies emerge within 3 weeks after transfection and express multiple pluripotency markers. Moreover, the UDC-derived hiPSCs are able to differentiate into cells of all three germ layers and display normal karyotypes. ReproRNA-OKSGM is available commercially and only requires a single transfection step so that the protocol is readily accessible, as well as straightforward. In addition to a detailed step-by-step description for generating clonal hiPSCs from UDCs using ReproRNA-OKSGM, we provide guidance for basic pluripotency characterization of the hiPSC lines. © 2020 The Authors. Basic Protocol: Reprogramming of urine-derived cells using ReproRNA-OKSGM Support Protocol 1: Determination of the pluripotency status of hiPSCs by flow cytometry Support Protocol 2: Characterization of functional pluripotency of hiPSCs.