Oct4-driven epigenetic reprogramming induces embryonic-like microRNA expression signatures in human fibroblasts

Oct4-driven cell fate conversion has recently become a novel tool for the generation of various cell types from differentiated somatic cells. Although, molecular mechanisms underlying this process are unknown, it is well documented that cells overexpressing Oct4 undergo transition from differentiated state into plastic state. This transition is associated with the acquisition of stem cells properties leading to epigenetically "open" state that is permissive to cell fate switch upon external stimuli. In order to contribute to our understanding of molecular mechanisms driving this process, we characterised human fibroblasts over-expressing Oct4 and performed comprehensive small-RNAseq analysis. MicroRNA profiles of human skin fibroblatsts overexpressing Oct4, controls: GFP expressing human fibroblasts, in biological triplicates, using Illumina