Multiphasic and dynamic changes in alternative splicing during induction of pluripotency are coordinated by numerous RNA binding proteins [ESRP DKO]

Alternative splicing (AS) plays a critical role in cell fate transitions, development and disease. Recent studies have shown that AS also influences pluripotency and somatic cell reprogramming. We profiled transcriptome-wide AS changes that occur during reprogramming of fibroblasts to pluripotency. This analysis revealed distinct phases of AS during reprogramming, including a splicing program that is unique to transgene-independent iPS cells. Changes in the expression of alternative splicing factors Zcchc24, Esrp1, Mbnl1/2 and Rbm47 were demonstrated to be key contributors to phase-specific AS. RNA binding motif enrichment analysis near alternatively spliced exons provided further insight into the combinatorial regulation of AS during reprogramming by different RNA binding proteins. Ectopic expression of Esrp1 enhanced reprogramming, in part by modulating the AS of the epithelial specific transcription factor Grhl1.These data represent a comprehensive temporal analysis of the dynamic regulation of AS during the acquisition of pluripotency. ES cells from 3 independent E3.5 blastocysts from either Control (Esrp1 WT/WT; Esrp2 -/-) or Esrp DKO (Esrp1 floxed/floxed; Esrp2 -/-) were transfected with pLVX-EGFP-Cre, puro selected and RNA was isolated 6 days later.