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Updated: Nov 16, 2025

Zinc-finger Nuclease Enhanced Gene Targeting in Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Published on: August 23, 2014
Zbtb7a and Zbtb7b: Opening naïve loci to reprogram ESCs
Hua Cao1, Hong Huang2,3, Huifang Tang1,2
1Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China.
Abstract:
Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) was recently reported to confer reprogramming capability to embryonic stem cells (ESCs) by reactivating naïve pluripotency genes via Zbtb7a and Zbtb7b. A visual reporting system was developed to first identify BMP4 as a driver for the primed-to-naïve transition (PNT). In addition, two specific inhibitors were identified as significantly improving the efficiency of PNT (~80% transition) within 8 days. The Zbtb7 family members were first introduced in the context of PNT and stem cell fate decision-making. These findings provide valuable information on acquiring naïve pluripotent stem cells for regenerative medicine.
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