Reprogramming of mouse neural stem cells to induced pluripotent stem cells using Oct4 combined with microRNA

microRNA is important for maintaining characteristics of embryonic stem cells, and microRNA302a (MiR-302a) has been shown to exert important effects on cell reprogramming. Therefore, the present study used miR294 and miR302a, in combination with Oct4, to induce mouse neural stem cells (NSCs) into induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Following identification of iPS cells, the effects of microRNA on cell reprogramming were analyzed. Results suggested that reprogramming efficiency with Oct4 + miR-294 + miR-302a was 7-fold greater than Oct4 alone (0.1% vs. 0.014%). The iPS cells were undifferentiated and positive for alkaline phosphatase, SSEA-1, and Oct4. These findings demonstrated that microRNAs play an important role in cell reprogramming and provide a safe and efficient induction system for cellular reprogramming.