By Allison Proffitt
January 22, 2010 | SINGAPORE--Scientists from the Genome Institute of Singapore yesterday published the fourth transcription factor known to revert differentiatied cells into stem cells. The study was published in Cell Stem Cell.
Using a transcription factor, Nr5a2, researchers were able to create induced pluripotenet stem cells (iPS cells) from previously differtiatied cells. Nr5a2 joins three other known transcription factors that can induce stem cells.
Senior Group Leader at GIS and lead author of the paper, Dr Ng Huck Hui said in a press release, “This is a very exciting moment. Fundamental research in embryonic stem cells is extremely important for us to harness the full potentials of these cells, and this study provides valuable and crucial insights into the mechanism of reprogramming.... This study highlights the prospect of finding more surprises in the field of reprogramming.”