miRNA screening reveals a new miRNA family stimulating iPS cell generation via regulation of Meox2

EMBO Rep. 2011 Oct 28;12(11):1153-9. doi: 10.1038/embor.2011.176.

Abstract

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be generated by overexpression of Oct4, Sox2 and Klf4 in murine fibroblasts. By conducting a microRNA (miRNA) library screen, we identified a set of miRNAs critically regulating iPSC formation. We revealed a new miRNA family (miR-130/301/721) as an important regulator of iPSC induction by targeting the homeobox transcription factor Meox2 (also known as Gax). Meox2-specific silencing mimicked the effects of this miRNA family on reprogramming. Mechanistically, miRNA-resistant Meox2 overexpression abrogated effects of miR-130/301/721 on reprogramming. In conclusion, the miRNA family miR-130/301/721 enhances iPSC generation via repression of Meox2.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cellular Reprogramming / genetics
  • Embryo, Mammalian / cytology
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Genetic Testing*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Kruppel-Like Factor 4
  • Mice
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Reproducibility of Results

Substances

  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • KLF4 protein, human
  • Klf4 protein, mouse
  • Kruppel-Like Factor 4
  • Meox2 protein, mouse
  • MicroRNAs