Singapore, January 26, 2010: Scientists from the Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), a biomedical research institute of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), and the National University of Singapore (NUS), have discovered a transcription factor, known as Nr5a2, which is responsible for the reprogramming of differentiated cells into stem cells. Stem cells generated from differentiated cells are known as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells). This find, published on January 21, 2010 in the prestigious journal Cell Stem Cell, is especially crucial in the area of cell therapy-based medicine.

 

The reprogramming of differentiated cells into iPS has been one of the most important breakthroughs in stem cell research recently. iPS cells behave like embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in that they give rise to all other differentiated cell types that make up the human body. As such, they are important starting points for the creation of organs for replacement or transplantation.

 

Previous research showed that the reprogramming of differentiated cells into iPS cells can be achieved by three transcription factors, known as Oct4, Sox2 and Klf4. In this latest finding, the scientists have identified a novel transcription factor, called Nr5a2, that can replace Oct4. As such, the new combination of Nr5a2, Sox2 and Klf4 is able to reprogram differentiated cells into iPS.

 

Dr Ng Huck Hui, senior group leader at the GIS and lead author of the paper, said, “This is a very exciting moment. Fundamental research in embryonic stem cells is extremely important for us to harness the full potentials of these cells, and this study provides valuable and crucial insights into the mechanism of reprogramming. Given Oct4’s critical role in embryonic stem cells and reprogramming, we were very surprised with the discovery that Nr5a2 could replace Oct4. This study highlights the prospect of finding more surprises in the field of reprogramming.”

 

“This paper represents significant addition to the very active field of cellular reprogramming,” added Prof Davor Solter, Senior Principal Investigator at A*STAR’s Institute of Medical Biology. “The authors show that gene coding for nuclear receptor Nr5a2 can replace one of the classical reprogramming factors Oct 4. In addition they presented evidence that this and another nuclear receptor can significantly increase the efficiency of reprogramming. These results have great basic and practical significance.”

 

In a previous similarly important finding in January 2009, also led by Dr Ng, the Singapore scientists discovered that the transcription factor known as Esrrb was able to replace Klf4 in the combination of Oct4, Sox2 and Klf4 for iPS cell creation.