Inhibition of Transforming Growth Factor β (TGF-β) Signaling can Substitute for Oct4 Protein in Reprogramming and Maintain Pluripotency

Mouse pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), such as ES cells and induced PSCs (iPSCs), are an excellent system to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in early embryonic development. The signaling pathways orchestrated by leukemia inhibitor factor/STAT3, Wnt/beta-catenin, and FGF/MEK/ERK play key roles in the generation of pluripotency. However, the function of TGF-beta signaling in this process remains elusive. Here we show that inhibiting TGF-beta signaling with its inhibitor SB431542 can substitute for Oct4 during reprogramming. Moreover, inhibiting TGF-beta signaling can sustain the pluripotency of iPSCs and ES cells through modulating FGF/MEK/ERK signaling. Therefore, this study reveals a novel function of TGF-beta signaling inhibition in the generation and maintenance of PSCs.