Induction of Pluripotency by Alternative Factors (RNA-Seq)

Reprogramming somatic cells to pluripotency represents a paradigm for cell fate determination. A binary logic of closing and opening chromatin provides a simple way to understand iPSC reprogramming driven by both Yamanaka factors or chemicals. Here we apply this logic to the design a seven factor combination, Jdp2, Jhdm1b, Mkk6, Glis1, Nanog, Essrb and Sall4 (7F), that reprogram MEFs to chimera competent iPSCs efficiently. RNA- and ATAC-seq reveal differences between 7F and Yamanaka induced pluripotency, 7IP and YIP, in transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility dynamics(CAD). Sall4 emerges as a dominant force that can close and open chromatin with the help of Jdp2 and Glis1 in resetting somatic chromatin to a pluripotent state. These results reveal a previously unknown path between somatic and pluripotent states, open a door for cell fate control. Overall design: Seven factor combination, Jdp2, Jhdm1b, Mkk6, Glis1, Nanog, Essrb and Sall4 (7F)