The germ cell determinant Blimp1 is not required for derivation of pluripotent stem cells

Cell Stem Cell. 2012 Jul 6;11(1):110-7. doi: 10.1016/j.stem.2012.02.023.

Abstract

Blimp1 (Prdm1), the key determinant of primordial germ cells (PGCs), plays a combinatorial role with Prdm14 during PGC specification from postimplantation epiblast cells. They together initiate epigenetic reprogramming in early germ cells toward an underlying pluripotent state, which is equivalent to embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Whereas Prdm14 alone can promote reprogramming and is important for the propagation of the pluripotent state, it is not known whether Blimp1 is similarly involved. By using a genetic approach, we demonstrate that Blimp1 is dispensable for the derivation and maintenance of ESCs and postimplantation epiblast stem cells (epiSCs). Notably, Blimp1 is also dispensable for reprogramming epiSCs to ESCs. Thus, although Blimp1 is obligatory for PGC specification, it is not required for the reversion of epiSCs to ESCs and for their maintenance thereafter. This study suggests that reprogramming, including that of somatic cells to ESCs, may not entail an obligatory route through a Blimp1-positive PGC-like state.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blastocyst / cytology
  • Blastocyst / metabolism
  • Cellular Reprogramming
  • Embryo Implantation
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / cytology
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Germ Cells / cytology
  • Germ Cells / metabolism*
  • Germ Layers / cytology
  • Germ Layers / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Models, Biological
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Positive Regulatory Domain I-Binding Factor 1
  • Transcription Factors / deficiency
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*

Substances

  • Prdm1 protein, mouse
  • Transcription Factors
  • Positive Regulatory Domain I-Binding Factor 1