Engineered reprogramming factors for iPSC generation

Advantageously, the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells avoids the use of embryonic stem cells. However, reprogramming adult cells is a highly inefficient process that can lead to the generation of other unrelated lineages, such as neurons, as well as producing extra-embryonic trophoblast.

We have identified novel reprogramming factors that are smaller in size than wild-type factors and which can convert differentiated or somatic cells into cells with pluripotent potential. The factors are highly specific for reprogramming and only generate pluripotent stem cells.

Application

Engineered factors that can improve the efficiency of cellular reprogramming for iPSC research

Development Status

• Effective at reprogramming both mouse embryonic and human adult fibroblasts
• Potential to develop other complementary reprogramming factors

IP Status

• Effective at reprogramming both mouse embryonic and human adult fibroblasts
• Potential to develop other complementary reprogramming factors

Commercial Offerings

The technology is available for licensing or collaborative research

Opportunity

Edinburgh researchers have generated a series of engineered molecules that retain a highly specific ability to reprogram adult or fully differentiated cells into pluripotent stem cells only.

Technology

We have identified and tested a number of engineered molecules that:

• Can efficiently reprogram human fibroblasts into induced pluripotent stem cells:

• Show that hiPSCs generated by engineered reprogramming factors display similar morphology and gene expression profile to hiPSCs generated by wildtype factor and human embryonic stem cells:

• Specifically, generate hiPSCs and not induced trophoblast stem cells (hiTSCs):

Benefits

• Highly specific: can be modified to induce pluripotency only
• Smaller in size to aid reprogramming efficiency

Quote: TEC1104133