Heterokaryon-based reprogramming of human B lymphocytes for pluripotency requires Oct4 but not Sox2

PLoS Genet. 2008 Sep 5;4(9):e1000170. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1000170.

Abstract

Differentiated cells can be reprogrammed through the formation of heterokaryons and hybrid cells when fused with embryonic stem (ES) cells. Here, we provide evidence that conversion of human B-lymphocytes towards a multipotent state is initiated much more rapidly than previously thought, occurring in transient heterokaryons before nuclear fusion and cell division. Interestingly, reprogramming of human lymphocytes by mouse ES cells elicits the expression of a human ES-specific gene profile, in which markers of human ES cells are expressed (hSSEA4, hFGF receptors and ligands), but markers that are specific to mouse ES cells are not (e.g., Bmp4 and LIF receptor). Using genetically engineered mouse ES cells, we demonstrate that successful reprogramming of human lymphocytes is independent of Sox2, a factor thought to be required for induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. In contrast, there is a distinct requirement for Oct4 in the establishment but not the maintenance of the reprogrammed state. Experimental heterokaryons, therefore, offer a powerful approach to trace the contribution of individual factors to the reprogramming of human somatic cells towards a multipotent state.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Fusion
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • Cellular Reprogramming / physiology*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / cytology
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • HMGB Proteins / metabolism*
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hybrid Cells / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Nanog Homeobox Protein
  • Octamer Transcription Factor-3 / metabolism*
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / cytology
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • SOXB1 Transcription Factors
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • HMGB Proteins
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • NANOG protein, human
  • Nanog Homeobox Protein
  • Octamer Transcription Factor-3
  • SOX2 protein, human
  • SOXB1 Transcription Factors
  • Sox2 protein, mouse
  • Transcription Factors