Continuous expression of reprogramming factors induces and maintains mouse pluripotency without specific growth factors and signaling inhibitors

Objectives Derivation and maintenance of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) generally require optimized and complex culture media, which hinders the derivation of PSCs from various species. Expression of Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc (OSKM) can reprogram somatic cells into induced PSCs (iPSCs), even for species possessing no optimal culture condition. Herein, we explored whether expression of OSKM could induce and maintain pluripotency without PSC-specific growth factors and signaling inhibitors. Methods The culture medium of Tet-On-OSKM/Oct4-GFP mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) was switched from N2B27 with MEK inhibitor, GSK3 beta inhibitor, and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) (2iL) to N2B27 with doxycycline. Tet-On-OSKM mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells were reprogrammed in N2B27 with doxycycline. Cell proliferation was traced. Pluripotency was assessed by expression of ESC marker genes, teratoma, and chimera formation. RNA-Seq was conducted to analyze gene expression. Results Via continuous expression of OSKM, mouse ESCs (OSKM-ESCs) and the resulting iPSCs (OSKM-iPSCs) reprogrammed from MEF cells propagated stably, expressed pluripotency marker genes, and formed three germ layers in teratomas. Transcriptional landscapes of OSKM-iPSCs resembled those of ESCs cultured in 2iL and were more similar to those of ESCs cultured in serum/LIF. Furthermore, OSKM-iPSCs contributed to germline transmission. Conclusions Expression of OSKM could induce and maintain mouse pluripotency without specific culturing factors. Importantly, OSKM-iPSCs could produce gene-modified animals through germline transmission, with potential applications in other species.