Signaling pathways in induced naïve pluripotency

Abstract

Pluripotent stem cells have become powerful tools for both research and regenerative medicine. To date, however, only mouse and rat embryonic stem cells (ESCs)/induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have the ability to contribute to the formation of germline-competent chimeras. These stem cells are thus considered as 'naïve' pluripotent stem cells. Several signaling pathways have been identified to play a critical role in the induction and maintenance of this naïve pluripotent state. Understanding how these pathways induce and maintain naïve pluripotency will likely lead to the generation of germline-competent naïve ESCs/iPSCs from humans and animals phylogenetically close to humans.